Türkiye and Syria earthquakes
Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (09:51): It is now over 14 days since the tragic events of the earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria. It is the worst natural disaster we have ever seen, and it is with our broken hearts and great sorrow but with a sense of great spirit that we see the Victorian community uniting in a show of solidarity. In particular I want to mention the generosity of the Quang Minh temple in my electorate and the Vietnamese community, the Senior Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan and respected leader Dr Phuc Nhan Pham and committee members from the Quang Minh temple, the chairperson Hakki Suleyman from the migrant resource centre and all the volunteers that have come forward to help during this time, working day and night to raise vital funds for Türkiye and Syria.
It is heartwarming to see the community spirit, in particular in the Quang Minh temple and in all small businesses, community groups, schools and sporting clubs and everyone across Victoria supporting and raising generous funds. This is truly an inspiring moment where Victoria has united. It is deeply moving, and from the bottom of my heart I thank everybody in Victoria for their compassion and support for the Turkish community.