Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I want to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of Deakin's Lions and Rotary clubs and to thank them. We are able to boast of the work of the Croydon, Mitcham, Vermont South, Vermont, Forest Hill and Heathmont Lions clubs, as well as the Croydon, Maroondah, Nunawading, Mitcham and Forest Hill Rotary clubs. These clubs are an integral part of our community, and they continue to offer invaluable support for our local area, including supporting a variety of community projects and local schools and students, as well as a range of local charities. They also provide other essential services, from specific support for women, to men's sheds, homelessness assistance and support for our youth.

Their work also extends beyond the boundaries of our electorate. Rotary Australia and Lions have, combined, raised well over $10 million to assist drought-stricken farmers in Australia.

These organisations also have a global reach. Our local Rotary groups are significantly involved in a range of international aid efforts—the most notable being their efforts to end polio. Internationally, Lions have, similarly, helped millions of people around the world, who have benefited from 13,000 individual grants that amount to more than $1 billion. A big amount of that support comes from Lions Australia.

As Christmas approaches, I look forward to catching up with all of our Rotary and Lions clubs. (Time expired)