Dave Sharma (Wentworth, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The last few months have been a difficult and trying time for many families and communities affected by the bushfires right across Australia. My community in Wentworth, like many others, was quick to reach out and lend its support to those affected by the bushfires. I would like to recognise here and put on the record some of those local groups that worked tirelessly to fundraise, collect and distribute emergency supplies and provide on-the-ground relief.

Thank you to Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, who helped collect donations of much needed supplies and deliver them to affected communities on the South Coast. Thank you to Our Big Kitchen, and particularly Rabbi Dovid Slavin, for coordinating several bake-for-bushfire sessions. Thank you to Bronte Boardriders for organising a Boards for Bushfires fundraiser and raising almost $35,000 for the South Coast. Thank you to Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club, who held a fundraising barbecue over the Australia Day long weekend, raising $6,000 for the families of affected firefighters. Thank you to the NSW SES Waverley Woollahra Unit, who sent volunteers to help in the firefighting efforts. Thank you also to Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, who sent relief lifesavers to conduct patrols on the South Coast as well as helped with fundraising. I am truly proud of the tremendous compassion and generosity shown by the Wentworth community and, indeed, communities all across Australia in response to this summer of tragedy. We will continue to support our fellow Australians where we can.