CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr ABDO (Calwell) (10:47): I rise to acknowledge the national day of mourning being observed in Nepal today and to stand with my local Nepalese community. On Saturday, I joined my community for a candlelight vigil in remembrance and solidarity during this deeply difficult time. Thank you to the Donnybrook Nepali Samaj and the Nepalese Society of Kalkallo for bringing us together, and thank you also to the Craigieburn Nepalese Community.
This devastation is affecting people and communities in my electorate as they remain deeply connected to Nepal. I know they are carrying enormous worry and uncertainty right now and I want them to know that we stand with them. What has happened in Nepal is devastating.
Families have lost homes. Communities have been cut off and people are still waiting for news about their loved ones. The Albanese government are doing everything we can to support search, rescue and recovery efforts by deploying aid, personnel, equipment and technology to support the crisis response and humanitarian capabilities.
Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Wong have reaffirmed to Nepalese counterparts Australia's readiness to provide further support. We stand with Nepal during this difficult time and we remain committed to supporting all those affected. To my local Nepalese community, we are with you and we will continue to stand with you.
Dallas is on fire. A big shout out to Dallas City Football Club on a fantastic season and an incredible turnaround over the past two years to secure promotion. The growth has been impressive, from 30 junior players to now more than 180, with 19 teams, including female teams, and more than 250 players across the club.
And Dallas City is about so much more than putting on the boots. It's where families from all backgrounds come together with football on the field and community off it. Shout out to the players, the coaches, the volunteers and the families who make this club what it is.
What you're building will continue to carry the club forward and upward. Congratulations Dallas City, we're proud of you and we're behind you. A big shout out to Roxburgh Park United Soccer Club on a fantastic season, with promotion alongside five of their junior teams, crowned league champions.
It's a wonderful achievement and a real reflection of the hard work and commitment of the players, coaches, volunteers, families and management team who work tirelessly to make this club what it is. Congratulations to everyone at Roxy United and thank you for the wonderful Father's Day celebrations. It was great to see the club and families come together.
What you've achieved this season is something to be proud of, and I look forward to seeing the club continue to go from strength to strength.