STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE
Mr GOSLING (Solomon) (18:57): I offer my deep condolences to the people of Nepal and Tibet following the floods that struck those regions on 26 August. More than 1,300 people have been confirmed deceased, and thousands remain missing, including Australians. Search and rescue teams continue working to reach isolated communities and workers trapped inside damaged hydropower tunnels.
Many families have not recovered the bodies of their loved ones, and others are waiting for news of those still missing. The effects of this disaster are being felt across the world and across Australia, including in my electorate of Solomon, where we have a large and much-valued Nepalese community. The loss has reached Darwin personally.
We are aware of one member of Darwin's Nepalese community whose family has been directly affected. I offer my support to them and to their loved ones. The wider Nepalese community has come together around those grieving, here and overseas.
Planned events in Darwin were cancelled so the community could mourn and support those affected. On 30 August, members of the Nepalese community and wider Darwin and Top End community gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Parliament House forecourt in Darwin, remembering those who died and praying for those missing and all of the families. I acknowledge the Nepalese Association of Northern Territory, through Acting President Namrata Sharma, for bringing the community together.
I also acknowledge the Non-Resident Nepali Association of Northern Territory, through its president, Trilochan Sapkota, for the work of NRNA in supporting the community. Darwin Hearts Football Club held a 'kick for a cause' match to support Nepal's flood relief effort. The Northern Nepalese football club organised a fundraiser at Rapid Creek Markets in association with Rapid Cafe and with support from Lukla Mart.
Community members donated and purchased food to raise money for affected families. Money raised by local organisations has been directed to the government of Nepal's Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to support search, rescue, relief and recovery work. To the Nepalese and Tibetan families who have lost loved ones, are waiting for news or have seen their home communities destroyed, Australia stands with you.
On behalf of the people of Darwin and Palmerston and all Territorians, I offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who have died and those who are still missing. I acknowledge the emergency workers, volunteers, medical teams and residents that are searching for the missing and also caring for survivors. Trilochan Sapkota, the NRNA-NT president said: I sincerely thank all members of the Nepali community living across the Northern Territory, as well as our multicultural communities, for joining us at the Candlelight Vigil and standing together during this difficult time.
I also sincerely thank everyone who generously donated directly to the PMO Relief Fund and the NRNA Australia GoFundMe. Some of these funds have provided assistance for those needing to travel back home to Nepal. Our heartfelt condolences go to all those who have lost their lives.
May they rest in peace. We continue to pray and hope that those who are still missing are found safe and reunited with their families. The Acting President of NANT, Namrata Sharma, said: The recent tragedy in Nepal has deeply affected our community here in the Northern Territory, with many of us having family, friends and loved ones back home.
During this difficult time, the compassion, solidarity and support shown by the Australian Government, our local leaders and the wider Australian community have meant a great deal to us. We are incredibly proud of how the Nepalese community in the Northern Territory has come together to support those affected back home. Although we may be far from Nepal, our hearts remain closely connected to our homeland.
They also said: 'Thank you to all those Australians, members of the government agencies, members of non-government organisations and other volunteers, who are helping and are part of the worldwide effort of humanitarian assistance. God bless you all.' I trekked the mountains of Nepal as a 17-year-old and the people of that country have always been in my heart, but no more so than now.
Samjhan chu din ko raat—I think of you day and night. May those who died rest in peace. May those missing be found.
May the people of Nepal and Tibet receive the support that they need.