Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:59): I had the pleasure of visiting a food bank in Yarraville earlier this week to witness the generosity of the Hindu community through their Sewa Diwali food drive. Sewa Diwali is a grassroots initiative that centres on the practice of Sewa, or selfless giving. This is the second year that Victoria has been involved in this initiative, which sees goods being collected during Diwali celebrations and then donated. Last year 6500 kilograms, or 6.5 tonnes, of essential food was donated, which this year increased significantly to 9100 kilograms, or 9.1 tonnes. This year 37 partner organisations registered for this initiative, with a further 11 participating organisations involved, including four schools who participated in the food drive for the first time. There were more than 45 collection centres across Victoria, including in regional areas like Ballarat, Bendigo, Sale, Traralgon and Warragul. Inspired by the spirit of Diwali, this is a wonderful initiative that unites communities in a shared mission to bring light, hope and sustenance to those in need. It was amazing to witness car after car arriving, each filled to the brim with donations of food and essentials that will support families across Victoria.
It was a terrific afternoon and a powerful reminder of the strength of the kindness in our community. A special thanks goes to Foodbank Australia for supporting this wonderful initiative, and my heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed – the donors, the volunteers and all the temples and organisations. Together you have brought hope and light to many Victorians this Diwali. The Sewa Diwali drive is replicated across Australia and is a testament to the collective compassion, dedication and unity of all communities nationwide in the spirit of Diwali. I am increasingly proud of the impact the Hindu community made this year continuing their annual tradition, and I look forward to supporting the Sewa Diwali initiative as it continues to grow and assist even more people throughout Victoria and across the nation.