Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently had the great honour of attending the world-renowned Summer Community Festival at St Mina and St Marina's Coptic Orthodox Church in Hallam. This festival, which has been a cherished tradition for nearly 30 years, continues to grow bigger and better each year, bringing joy and unity to our community.

I attended this fantastic event alongside Zahid Safi, the Liberal candidate for Bruce. It was truly heartwarming to see so many families and children enjoying the fantastic community market stalls, indulging in traditional Egyptian sweets, savouring Mediterranean-style foods and participating in a variety of kids' activities.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the much-loved Father Abanoub Attalla and Father Michael Galli for their kind invitation and warm hospitality. Can I say they are absolutely loved and admired by all their worshippers. Father Abanoub, you knew everyone's name and it was grade to go around with you. I also hit it off with Father Michael, being a former detective for Victoria Police. Their dedication was truly inspiring.

The biannual festival is not just a celebration; it's also a significant fundraiser for the church's Sunday school and childcare centre. The funds raised during this event will play a crucial role in supporting these vital programs, which provide invaluable services to the children and the families. The congregation were washing cars and buying food; they were doing incredible work.

I also congratulate Father Michael Galli at the church for his efforts in running Manna4Life LTD, which was established in Melbourne in 2012 and works with volunteers to support and provide relief for underprivileged youth and the elderly through humanitarian services. Today Manna4Life focuses on alleviating poverty amongst underprivileged communities and the homeless, supporting youth and adolescents, providing financial assistance to low-income families and promoting basic health and hygiene standards within the communities. Hard work and commitment are what make the Summer Community Festival event and relief support for the community possible, and these efforts are deeply appreciated by the Egyptian and wider communities.

The St Mina and St Marina Coptic Orthodox Church is a shining example of what can be achieved when we all come together as a community. I again thank all those who were there on the day when we attended—a very exciting time for those at the church. As I said before, the way the congregation and those there support their church, from washing cars to providing funding to the stalls, all to help other people is a great achievement for them.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 16:27 to 16:49