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

[by video link] During this difficult COVID-19 lockdown period in Melbourne, when people have lost their jobs and are facing the loss of their businesses, our Calwell community has been blessed with local heroes who are always there to lend a helping hand with an abundance of generosity and dignity. Heroes like Khalsa Darbar in Mickleham have been delivering grocery hampers to those in need in our community throughout the lockdown. Fortunately for my community, there are many more organisations who deserve a very special shout out for their caring community work.

I'd like to personally thank the following organisations for their ongoing supply of food packages, hampers, vouchers, toiletries and phone cards. I'd like to thank Anglicare Victoria in Craigieburn; St Dominic's, UnitingCare and Banksia Gardens in Broadmeadows; the Tibetan Buddhist Society in Yuroke; the Brotherhood of St Laurence; the Dallas Neighbourhood House; Hasene Australia in Campbellfield; the Northpoint Centre Food Pantry in Craigieburn; the Salvation Army; and, finally, the Tullamarine Community House. I'm very proud of the Calwell constituency for coming together and supporting one another, and I'm especially grateful to all service providers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to provide for the welfare of the members of our community who at this present time are doing it very tough. I reiterate, this assistance is offered with great compassion, dignity and lots of care. I congratulate them all.