Sharman Stone (Murray, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to put on the record the great work and generosity of Mr Azem Elmaz. Azem was born in Macedonia. He and his wife, Jehain, own and operate Lutfiye’s Shish Kebabs in Shepparton, but this generous, big-hearted family do much more than make and sell great food and coffee. They also donate to many needy causes, including to the victims of the Victorian bushfires and drought and to the underprivileged in the community. Azem is a devout Muslim and so believes charity and helping others is an essential part of life. He provides chaplaincy services to prisoners in Dhurringile, Beechworth and the metropolitan area, supporting both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Azem is one of the key members of the local People Supporting People interfaith group of volunteers. This group helps others in the community who cannot help themselves. They raise thousands of dollars each year and, for example, operate free biweekly soup kitchens with all the food prepared by Azem—a huge task. Azem and the People Supporting People group also provide free breakfasts at the Anzac Day dawn services and coffee at community Christmas carols. They are always there when an event needs a hand, always volunteering and offering enormous support and examples of intercultural community harmony. Azem is an inspiration and a huge asset in our multicultural community of the Goulburn Valley, and I pay tribute to him and his wonderful family.