STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Ms BYRNES (Cunningham) (16:54): Like so many people across the world, I want to share my deepest sorrow and condolences for everyone who has been impacted by the devastating flash flood in Nepal and Tibet-China. As the Prime Minister said, what we saw was breathtaking in its horror. A sudden glacial collapse unleashed a wall of water and mud that wiped out villages, livelihoods and loved ones of so many people.

The devastation it has wrought is barely imaginable, and the images we are still seeing every day are distressing and confronting. Amongst the wreckage, we have found small blessings in the stories of people being pulled from the mud after a harrowing 10 days. The condition of the human spirit is that we will always hope for miracles, and I think some of those stories provide the comfort we so desperately need in times like this.

The conditions being experienced are beyond difficult, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to all the rescue personnel and the volunteers who are working tirelessly to sift through the wreckage. I'd also like to thank the team of Australian fire and rescue personnel and specialist drone operators who have gone to the disaster zone to help as part of our government's $11 million humanitarian support package.

Australians themselves have donated an incredible $4.5 million of their own money to the Emergency Action Alliance, because we will always be there to lend a hand to our global neighbours in times of need. It is always in the darkest of times that I am reminded of the absolutely remarkable community spirit that defines the people of the Illawarra. Wollongong is a town shaped by generations of migrants, and we are proudly multicultural.

So when events happen across the globe, there are inevitably local people who are personally and very deeply impacted. And because of the close-knit nature of our community, even those without a personal connection to tragedy feel compelled to band together in solidarity and mourning. The Wollongong Illawarra Nepali Community led by President Narayan Prasad Chapagain is well known for their vibrant celebrations full of dance, music and laughter.

Now our community is rallying behind them through a time of deep pain. I want to read a bit of their statement: We, the Wollongong Illawarra Nepali Community, express our deep sorrow over the massive loss of life and property caused by the sudden and devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River on 23 August 2026. We are saddened to learn that, along with Nepali citizens, foreign tourists and travellers visiting Nepal have also been affected and remain out of contact due to this disaster.

At this time of crisis, the government, rescue workers and relevant authorities are carrying out their responsibilities. However, the affected families and communities equally need our human compassion, support and solidarity. And I would say our community has delivered on that call.

Special prayers were held for the disaster victims at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Helensburgh last Sunday, with people of all faiths and backgrounds coming together in solidarity with those affected. United in their grief, hundreds of people gathered to take part in a Mahamrityunjaya mantra ritual. This is a sacred Hindu ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva to seek protection and healing, eliminate misfortune and overcome karmic blockage.

As Narayan said, it was a prayer for the recovery of all injured people and then healing for the whole trauma in people as well as for the departed souls. Always a strong pillar holding our many multicultural communities together, MCCI will also hold a candlelight vigil this coming Thursday at its headquarters in Coniston in support of survivors and in memory of the victims.

The Illawarra community will always stand up and say to those impacted by tragedy that you are not alone. We stand with you, we stand next to you, and we give you all of our love. I'll finish on another quote from the Wollongong Illawarra Nepali Community, because I think it best sums up our sentiments: May everyone affected find strength, safety and hope.