Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Across Australia this summer, communities have endured floods, fires and searing heat, and in many places the challenge is not over. Across Victoria, in places like the Mallee, where I grew up, and Nicholls, we've faced record-breaking temperatures alongside devastating fires. It is in our communities that we have seen our nation's true spirit reflected—in the bravery, hard work and kindness of thousands of community volunteers. To the volunteer firefighters: we thank you. To the SES crews: we thank you. To the nurses, doctors and health workers: we thank you. To the community volunteers: we thank you. To our local councils: we thank you.

I especially want to acknowledge the inspiring effort to save the Natimuk aged care facility—a real community victory. As the fire closed in on Natimuk, staff remained with residents for more than 27 hours, caring for them through smoke and heat. Neighbours, visitors and even pets sheltered together, everyone protected as one community. Outside, CFA trucks were positioned to form a physical border against the flames, allowing firefighters to hold the line and, ultimately, save every life inside the facility.

These are the communities our government is proudly backing, with supports for emergency response, health services, community recovery and the infrastructure that keeps regional Victoria strong. We recognise what you do, and the Albanese Labor government is standing with you. In electorates like Mallee and Nicholls, and right across this nation, we look out for one another. Whether you were born here or drawn here or you've called Australia home for thousands of years, you are what makes our nation great.