Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Members statements

Türkiye and Syria earthquakes

John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (13:09): Today I rise to pay tribute to those supporting the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes relief efforts. Recently I met with Michael Valos and David Hobson of Balwyn Rotary to learn about their fundraising plan for the Türkiye relief fund. Balwyn Rotary pledged a massive $50,000 to the cause, and not only that, they also invited me down to the Camberwell market, where all the profits that Sunday were being donated to relief efforts. I congratulate David and Michael and Balwyn Rotary for their work.

But my Sunday did not end there. I then drove to a restaurant in Balaclava, where I joined the Minister for Small Business, Minister for Veterans and Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman and Ryan Batchelor. You see, Tulum held a street barbecue to raise money for the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes relief, and wow, it was popular – there were lines stretching down the street. I thank the owner and head chef Coskun Uysal, who I had the pleasure of meeting, for such a great initiative. Always support your local, as your local will always support you.

I want to pay tribute to branch assistant secretary of the Transport Workers Union Mem Suleyman, who coordinated the TWU and Australian Container Freight Services efforts to mobilise local community groups, schools and allies in the union movement to fill a shipping container with baby bottles, nappies and women’s sanitary products in only 72 hours. Finally, to all the unions, who collectively raised $40 million, it was a job well done.