Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It has been very heartening to see communities across Australia band together to help those devastated by the recent bushfires. Fortunately northern Tasmania has so far had few fire events this summer, although our season is just beginning. This hasn't stopped many members of our community rallying together to raise funds for our interstate friends.

I would like to commend the wonderful actions of Ella Manion and Emily Hogarth from Lulworth, who are 11 and 12 years old. They decided that if life was handing out lemons then making some lemonade may help. Together they set up a homemade lemonade stall and with donated fruit and ice raised over $1,000 for the bushfire appeal. Well done, girls. Every dollar you raised will make a difference.

I would also like to acknowledge Launceston City Council Deputy Mayor Danny Gibson. In true Danny style, in just a few days and while overseas, he managed to pull together an incredible gala event last week, engaging the business, arts and general community along the way. It was a sell-out event and has raised over $72,000 and counting. All funds and donations will be managed through Danny's local Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise to support the Rotary National Bushfires Appeal.

We know that money can't replace all that has been lost in the fires and that the after-effects of this summer will be felt for many years to come; however, any funds raised goes someway to rebuild lives and give hope to shattered communities. I thank everyone in northern Tasmania who has donated and raised money for those affected by this unprecedented event.

See this speech in context