Sally Sitou (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last Friday I visited Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. It is a beautiful, solemn place where the community goes to worship and come together in times of joy and sorrow. I went to the mosque to deliver a message of support and solidarity to the Turkish and Syrian communities, who have been devastated by the recent earthquake. The tragedy, so dreadful in scale, comes at a heartbreaking human cost. The loss of families and loved ones will change lives forever.

The Australian government is providing $18 million in humanitarian aid to both Turkiye and Syria. It has been heartening to see the response from the Australian community, who are making donations to support those affected by this earthquake. I'm proud to be the co-chair of the parliamentary friends of UNICEF group with the member for Moncrieff. We were able to launch that group this morning. UNICEF is providing immediate on-the-ground support in Turkiye and Syria. I would encourage all Australians to do what we do best and put out a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need by heading to unicef.org.au and donating to their Turkiye and Syria earthquake appeal.