Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My electorate of Holt is home to many older Australians from India. While some of them are empty-nesters, many periodically move between India and Australia to be with their children and grandchildren. They often face social isolation here, especially during the daytime, when their children are at work and their grandchildren are at school. Compassionate Hands plays a crucial role in supporting Indian-origin seniors from across my electorate and combating isolation among this cohort. Through the combination of social, cultural and educational activities, including tours to locations of historically and ecological importance, sessions on e-safety and celebrations of Hindu and Sikh festivals, the senior group ensures their members are engaged and active. They also organise regular catch-ups in parks and community centres across my electorate to promote conversation and friendship. I was pleased to attend their Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations recently. The festivities included music performances, amazing Indian chaat and light dancing with all the aunties. I want to commend their executive, particularly the president, Jagdeep Singh Sukhija, for their excellent work, and I look forward to visiting them again in the near future.

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