CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Dr MULINO (Fraser—Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services) (10:27): I rise today to speak about the devastating floods that have struck Nepal and Tibet. The past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for the Australian Nepalese community. We've watched these events unfold with sadness, and our thoughts are with the thousands of people whose lives have been affected.
Thirty-five Australians remain unaccounted for. Behind every one of those names is a family here in Australia waiting anxiously for news, checking their phones and hoping for a call. I hold those families in my thoughts today.
To the Nepalese families of Melbourne's west and more broadly across Australia and to every Australian family waiting for new from Kathmandu, we grieve with you. I also want to acknowledge the Australian Nepalese community in Melbourne's west. Fraser is home to a vibrant Nepalese community, and it is one of Australia's fastest-growing communities, with a strong international student cohort and significant contributions across a range of sectors, including training.
Organisations such as the Nepalese Association of Victoria play a vital role in preserving and celebrating Nepali culture while also providing important support for the community. I want to acknowledge the president and the committee of that organisation and also leaders in my area, such as Bom Yonzon, and all the work they do. For almost 30 years, whether through community sporting events that bring people together, assistance for new arrivals, advocacy on issues affecting the community or settlement and mental health support, the Nepalese Association of Victoria and the Nepalese community more generally have played an important role in strengthening community connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
During this difficult time, it was inspiring to join the community at the Quang Minh Temple on the weekend for a fundraising effort, a buffet, in support of relief efforts. Members of the temple prepared food for more than 1,000 people and raised almost $100,000 for those affected by the floods. Funds are still being raised.
The Quang Minh Temple has demonstrated this generosity on many occasions, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local hospitals, including the new Footscray Hospital, and contributing over $100,000 for the support effort following the devastating earthquake in Turkiye. Thank you to the Quang Minh Temple. Thank you to the venerable Dr Pham and all of the volunteers who work so hard on these fundraising efforts.
The temple is one of our community's most selfless and steadfast leaders, always looking for ways to give back and support those in need. Our local community, of course, is not alone in showing such compassion. Across Australia, individuals have donated more than $5 million through the Emergency Action Alliance Appeal, with those donations matched by the government.
In times of tragedy, we are reminded of the strength, generosity and solidarity that define our communities. As recovery efforts continue, we stand with those affected from the Nepalese families in my electorate and extend our deepest sympathies to those who have suffered loss.