David Smith (Bean, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Congratulations to Probus on recently celebrating its 50th anniversary. It's a fantastic milestone, and I wish to extend my congratulations to members who have helped build this community across the country.

Today, Probus is a not-for-profit network of more than 90,000 members across over 1,300 clubs around Australia, all managed by dedicated volunteers. At its heart, Probus has always been about connection, bringing people together and creating opportunities for retirees and semi-retirees to share interests, build friendships and stay active in their communities. We all know how important social connection is for mental health and physical wellbeing and for reducing loneliness.

In my electorate of Bean, I want to recognise the outstanding contribution of our local clubs: Greenway, Tuggeranong, Wanniassa, Farrer, Lake Tuggeranong, Weston Creek ladies and Weston Probus clubs.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 09:58 to 10:08

Today I rise to express my condolences to a local family who tragically lost their four-year-old on the morning of 18 January. It serves as a painful reminder that tragedy can strike suddenly and to treasure every moment that we have with those we hold dear. It also serves as a strong reminder about the strength in community. This family is part of our Bhutanese community here in Canberra, here on temporary residence visas, and were left facing the most heartbreaking challenge, with support from extended family far away. However, the Bhutanese community has come together in strength, raising over $130,000 to support the family. This was through the combined effort of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, the Australia Bhutan Association of Canberra and families and individuals right across the community. I wish to extend my gratitude to them for the supports that they have provided the family.

In Bhutanese culture, the funeral marks the beginning of a series of sacred rites and prayers to guide the soul towards peace and swift rebirth. Here, locally in Dickson, a 49-day Buddhist ritual is ongoing at the Bhutanese Buddhist & Cultural Centre in conjunction with Hindu rites being conducted in Gelephu, Bhutan. I wish to echo the words of the Australia-Bhutan Association of Canberra: together, let us stand with them in their darkest hour.