Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A few weeks back I attended the Malayalee Association fundraiser for victims of the devastating floods in Kerala in southern India. I was touched to be part of such a special fundraising event—The Awakening, by which it was known—at Bunjil Place for those affected by this devastating flood that swept through Kerala in August. I would especially like to acknowledge the contributions of the Malayalee associations in Melbourne under the umbrella of Malayalees of Melbourne and Dr Asha Muhammad, president of the Malayalees of Melbourne, for raising funds towards Kerala flood relief. I also want to acknowledge the great contribution of the Malayalee community in Melbourne and Latrobe in my electorate. Their efforts at the community fundraiser send a very strong message of support and solidarity. They reflect our Australian ethos of mates helping mates and lending a hand to make a difference.

This year's floods were a terrible tragedy. Countless people have lost their homes and livelihoods. Most heartbreakingly, hundreds of lives have been lost and families torn apart. I was very proud to be able to speak the message from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to let all those involved, whether they be here in Australia or those living in Kerala, know how much support the Australian community has for them and also the Malayalee Association and all their supporters.