House debates

Wednesday, 2 June 2021

Statements by Members

Macquarie Electorate: A Butterflys Embrace

4:45 pm

Photo of Susan TemplemanSusan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

The loss of a baby, either in pregnancy or as an infant is a heartbreaking experience for a family. Naomi Smith went through that experience when she lost Lucas at 18 days. She has set up a charity called A Butterfly's Embrace. The way Naomi describes it, this is about doing the little things that only a bereaved parent notices.

A Butterfly's Embrace has designed a new garden that will be built within the Secret Garden and Nursery in Richmond so that parents, siblings, families and friends can remember their lost child. I was very pleased to be at the unveiling of the design of this garden. It's a heart within a heart, surrounded by white flowers to symbolise purity and peace. Her plan is that people will design a pebble and place that pebble within the garden in memory of their child. It will be a place to go, either to take time out from the noise of the world or just to visit in honour of a lost baby—babies who have gone way too soon.

I want to congratulate Naomi and her group—her gang of girlfriends, really—who were there with her at the fundraiser to launch this garden design. She has great support from family and friends. I really look forward to seeing this garden within a garden come to fruition.

Photo of Trent ZimmermanTrent Zimmerman (North Sydney, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

In accordance with a resolution of the House on 13 May 2021, the time for members' statements has concluded.