Page 4237 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 21 September 2010
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number set to rise as disease flourishes in these conditions. One million homes have been swept away, and nearly 20 million people require food, shelter and emergency care—almost the entire population of Australia.
The scale of this catastrophe is so immense that it is difficult to comprehend. The number of people devastated by the floods in Pakistan is greater than the number of those affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami, Cyclone Nargis, the Kashmir earthquake and the earthquake in Haiti combined. There has been enormous damage to Pakistan’s infrastructure. Roads, bridges, homes, schools, hospitals, communications networks and irrigation channels have been destroyed and must be rebuilt. The suffering that the people of Pakistan have experienced will live with them and in their hearts for years to come, but the stories of resilience and determination to survive and to build new lives give us hope and renew our belief in the tenacity of the human spirit.
As I have said in my opening remarks, I know that many in the Canberra community have friends and relatives in Pakistan. Canberra is also home to more than 1,000 people of Pakistani descent, who make a valuable contribution to our vibrant and culturally diverse city. Many Canberrans have been active in raising money and resources to support victims of the floods. There have been numerous personal contributions, as well as large-scale organised efforts.
There have been many concerned Canberrans, but I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Mohammed Ali, a local community leader and very proud Canberran, who has raised awareness at the grassroots level of the ongoing disaster in Pakistan. Mr Ali initiated an appeal for donations in kind in conjunction with the Canberra Islamic Centre and the Pakistan association of the ACT. In just over 10 days, Canberrans of all faiths and walks of life donated enough food, shelter, medicines, clothing and other vital resources to fill a five-tonne truck twice over, an amazing effort and testament to the generosity of Canberrans. Mr Ali has been active in charity events for several years and is selfless in his efforts.
Last week the Chief Minister announced that the ACT government would be donating $100,000 to UNICEF to support the victims of this natural disaster. I know that this gesture of support on behalf of our city will make a real difference to the lives of the people of Pakistan, and I am sure that collectively our thoughts remain with them.
Leukaemia Foundation
ACT Policing—facilities
Battle of Britain—70th anniversary
Inner South Community Council
Canberra Times fun run
International affairs—Pakistan
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (4.35): On Friday night, I attended the Light the Night event hosted by the Leukaemia Foundation at Glebe Park. It is supporting people with blood cancer. At the outset I would like to thank Marie Hutley Jackson from the Leukaemia Foundation for putting the event on and hosting it.
For those who are not aware, leukaemia is a very prevalent disease—that and the other blood cancers, including myelomas and lymphomas. The Light the Night
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