Tuesday, 21 February 2023

 Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (13:05): More sad news overnight with the report of two further earthquakes in Türkiye, compounding the severe impacts of the severe and serious and devastating earthquakes that the honourable member just mentioned here. 47,000 – a devastating loss of life, and I want to echo the thoughts and sympathies of others and add my name to theirs with both the victims of this tragedy overseas but also with the diaspora community here in Victoria, who have been deeply affected.

We know that in the darkest of times the generosity of the community does shine through. Our governments have done what is required. There has been an initial allocation from the Australian government. There has been a donation from the Victorian government to the relief efforts. It is the contribution from the community that often underscores and underlines our faith in the human spirit, and on Sunday I had the privilege of joining Minister Suleyman and my colleague Mr Berger at Tulum restaurant in Balaclava, which was hosting a community fundraising barbecue to support relief efforts on the ground in Türkiye. For those who know Carlisle Street, it was transformed by the smells of charcoal barbecue and sticky sweet treats, but the community spirit of those there to show their support was palpable. The queues kept growing and growing for people wanting to make a donation, and the strength of the local response to this initiative spoke volumes about the people who I represent in Southern Metropolitan and reinforced Victoria’s values – that locals come together to help those in need no matter how near or far they are.