Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park—Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes) (Thursday, 10 June 2021) (09:43): I wish to place on the record my heartfelt gratitude to Sikh Community Connections and their volunteers, who have stepped up to the challenges that the pandemic has brought, making sure that those in difficult financial circumstances or those who isolate to protect our community have access to a freshly cooked vegetarian meal. It is in the face of adversity that generosity and humanity thrive, and that is the case in my electorate of Mill Park and the wider City of Whittlesea area, where Sikh Community Connections has, since the end of May, delivered hundreds of cooked meals and food relief packages. Sikh Community Connections is a grassroots community organisation that was established two years ago and provides direct support to community members in line with their cultural tradition. I cannot commend enough this great team of hardworking volunteers for their community spirit and tireless work during this pandemic under the leadership of Gurinder Kaur. Last year they served thousands of meals to families and individuals facing extreme hardship and have created partnerships, such as the one with La Trobe University in Bundoora, to provide free groceries to international students facing hardship.
With the announcement of the latest circuit-breaker restrictions, these inspiring individuals were again mobilised to help many families and international students in need. With support funding from our government and the City of Whittlesea, this organisation is making a huge difference to the lives of many vulnerable members of the community. I want to thank you all for what you give of yourselves to help those less fortunate in our community.
Hansard link: Sikh Community Connections