Basem Abdo (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sport plays a huge part in the life of my community in Calwell. Across the area, there is always a game going on somewhere on the basketball courts, the footy grounds, the cricket pitches, the netball and tennis courts and the soccer fields all over the electorate. The games we play are part of who we are as an area.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit Hume City FC as they hosted a Junior Super League three-day tournament featuring 172 teams. The teams ranged in age from under-8s to under-13s—although some would say the parents were also playing from the sidelines, such was the level of excitement! To see the pictures of the club buzzing with skill and energy, and all the kids from across the state showing up and showing us what the game is all about—in an age where the lure of screens and online distractions is hard for parents to combat, the role of strong, well-run, inclusive clubs like Hume City and tournaments like this matters so much.

I want to thank Ersan Gulum, the club president, who shows that you can leave the area but the area never leaves you. Ersan played professionally overseas and now has returned to foster the next generation of players at home in what I would call the real big leagues. I'd also like to thank club secretary Haydin Bekir and Hadi Bultan, a fierce advocate for the club. Congratulations to all at Hume City Football Club for the work they do. I am certain I was in the presence of a number of young future Matildas and Socceroos.

Earlier this month I was very pleased to join members of the St Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Dallas in my electorate for the feast of St Thomas. The spiritual Jacobite Syrian Orthodox community is comprised of worshippers who hail from various corners of the world, particularly from India's Kerala region. Since its founding in 2013, the church has grown into something truly special: a spiritual and cultural home. I especially want to pay tribute to Fr Dr Jacob Joseph, vicar and president, for his beautiful and truly heartfelt words; Mr Jijo George, secretary; and Mr Binoj John for his service to the community. I saw first-hand how places like this church enrich our community. At a time when so many are searching for meaning, for connection, for belonging, this congregation offers exactly that. This church, like so many other places of worship in the area, is a reminder that Australia's great strength lies in its diversity and in the freedom to live one's faith with purpose and peace.