Joanne Ryan (Lalor, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Sunday 26 October this year, Melbourne had its wettest day in 18 months, with 35 millimetres of rain recorded. On the same day, Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Hoppers Crossing and Manor Lakes saw a tornado. More than 650 calls to the state emergency services were recorded across Victoria. Wyndham SES had 184 calls, the busiest in the state, and Wyndham West had 40 calls. There were 260 buildings damaged, and 25,000 to 30,000 homes were without power. There was localised flooding in low-lying areas, and lots of families out with shovels, digging trenches to let the water out of their properties. Streets like Purchas Street in Werribee were among the worst hit: roofs and pergolas blown into power lines, widespread debris, and fallen trees and fences. Tara in Werribee described how her partner was lifted off the ground and the pergola roof landed on Tarneit Road power lines. Bridgette Boyd said the wind nearly blew her backwards. Many describe the scene as like something out of a movie: frightening, fast and destructive. Bureau of Meteorology experts confirmed a clear tornado damage track through Wyndham Vale and Hoppers Crossing with a distinct east-north-east path typical of severe thunderstorm cells—a category consistent with a small tornado, with wind speeds up to 120 kilometres per hour.

I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency service responders and frontline workers who served in our community on Sunday in the clean-up, and on following days; to our State Emergency Services, Wyndham and Wyndham West, and supporting metro units; to the CFA volunteers; to Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria; to Ambulance Victoria crews and first responders; to Wyndham City Council staff for rapid debris cleaning and resident welfare checks; and to Powercor and utility workers, who restored power to thousands of homes. Their tireless work, often through the night and in dangerous conditions, reflects the best of public service.

I want to recognise the residents and families in Lalor, who faced the storm with courage and compassion. Many supported neighbours, checked on vulnerable residents and helped clear debris while waiting for emergency crews.

The spirit of solidarity across the electorate in the suburbs of Werribee, Wyndham Vale and Hoppers Crossing demonstrates the fighting heart of Lalor. The tornado that struck Lalor was frightening and destructive but it also showed strength and unity in our community. To every volunteer, very emergency worker and every resident fighter in Lalor, thank you. The Albanese government will continue to back you by building climate resilience, cutting emissions, and investing in safer and stronger communities across our electorate,.

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