Millicent Spencer
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman has used her parliamentary address to acknowledge the victims of the Turkey and Syria earthquakes.
Ms Suleyman is the daughter of migrants of Turkish Cypriot background and is the first Cypriot of Turkish heritage and first Muslim female to be elected to the Parliament of Victoria.
Addressing the parliament on Wednesday, February 8, Ms Suleyman said she wished to express her “thoughts and prayers” to all those in the Turkish community.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of this major earthquake in Turkey and Syria,” she said.
“This earthquake is one of the most disastrous to hit Turkey, and the world in recent history.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Turkish Victorians who may have family and friends and cannot connect with their loved ones.”
Ms Suleyman said everyone has been affected by the “devastating and heart-breaking scenes”, and thanked those in the community who have shown their support in response.
“I want to thank businesses, religious [groups], and members of the community who have all united in their efforts to donate and support Turkey in this time of great need,” she said.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced $10 million in humanitarian support to assist Turkey, and many other countries have followed as well.
“I have spoken directly with the premier, and we stand ready to support Turkey.”
Ms Suleyman said she would join in with the Turkish community in Victoria by marking a seven-day period of mourning.
A series of events are taking place in the area to mourn the victims of the earthquake.
The Cyprus and Turkish Islamic Community will host a community collection appeal on Friday, February 10 at 2pm at the Sunshine Mosque (618 Ballarat Road, Sunshine).
Additionally, the Islamic Council of Victoria will be holding a prayer vigil on Friday, February 10 at 7pm at the Hume Global Learning Centre Broadmeadows.
