Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Sunday night, I attended a fundraising event organised by the Australian Syrian Arab association to raise much-needed funds for those affected by the earthquakes in Syria. Hundreds of members of the community attended to show their support and their concern and also to raise money for those affected. Most of the money that will be raised will be given to the purposes of providing shelter and medical equipment as well as other life saving assistance.

The people of Syria have had a tremendous amount of turmoil and devastation over a decade. To have had this very tragic earthquake take place further compounds their hardship and dislocation, their loss and their anguish. It makes the situation for them far more difficult. The community expressed its gratitude to the Australian government for our contribution of $3.5 million to the people of Syria, provided through the United Nations Population Fund, to deliver maternal and child health services and to protect women and girls who don't have any safe housing. This is in addition to the $3 million that Australia has committed to the United Nations Children's Fund in support of the Syrian people. On behalf of the Syrian community in my local community, I thank the Australian government, and also, on behalf of this chamber, I offer them our solidarity and our support.

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