Christmas Felicitations
Published 29 November 2024
Ms KELLIE SLOANE (Vaucluse) (14:59): I send my best wishes to the people of my local community this coming festive season. Merry Christmas and also happy Hanukkah, because it overflows this year. May it be filled with love, family, relaxation and joy for all. As we come to the end of the year, it is natural that we all reflect on the year that was. In truth, 2024 has a been a year filled with a lot of heartache for my electorate. In April our State and my community was left in a state of shock by the Bondi Junction attack. That senseless attack claimed six lives and left many more injured. It was an attack on a place central to our community, a place where so many of us meet friends, shop and where our kids hang out during the school holidays. Many families, first responders and retail staff still live with the memories of what happened on that day. Many are still processing the trauma of those events. Some will never be the same. For those who lost loved ones on that day, this holiday season will be especially painful. For any family mourning a lost loved one, the empty seat at the Christmas table is a cruel reminder of that missing part of their hearts and of the person who cannot be replaced but will always be remembered and always be loved.
With the largest Jewish population of any electorate, my community has also continued to deal with the fallout of the 7 October attacks. Overnight we saw that clearly in our community, with anti-Israel vandalism on cars, restaurants and homes, and a car set on fire. They were deliberate acts, designed to intimidate, harass and silence the Jewish community. I have witnessed what 7 October has done to our local Jewish community. It has brought to the fore deep wounds that people did not remember or know they had. Generational anguish is coming back to the surface. That is because of not just what happened on 7 October but also what followed the attack—the rise in antisemitism and the fear for the safety of loved ones and children. I have spoken with so many Jewish constituents who never thought they would see or experience what they have in this past year.
Though my local community has experienced heartache, there has also been hope. At this time of year it is important for us to reflect on the messages of hope and peace that are central to the Christmas and Hanukkah stories, and to remember the goodness in our world. This year we have been reminded that where there is evil and hatred, there is also bravery and good. We saw bravery in the actions of inspector Amy Scott and in ordinary people in our community who raced to help others. We saw it in the police and paramedics who put their lives on the line every day. They rush to danger when others are running away. We have seen it in the countless Australians who have called out hatred and disrespect not just towards the Jewish community but towards any community. They are the people who push for social cohesion and harmony that we cherish and which we hope will come forth in the new year.
People have reminded us that there is more that unites us as in Australia than divides us. In my electorate we are lucky to have so many organisations and individuals who embody the best of our State. I recognise them—from the lifesavers at Bondi and North Bondi who will keep our beaches safe this summer, to the volunteers who help the most vulnerable, like those at Lifeline Bondi, Jewish House, Bondi Beach Cottage and Lokahi. For the work of our incredible churches and shuls, and our principals and teachers—who no doubt will be looking forward to a nice summer break—I thank them. I thank the eastern suburbs local police, led by Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore: Every year the work she does is incredible, but this year many people of the eastern suburbs would especially want me to acknowledge her for what she has done for our community. To our paramedics and the firies, I thank you. I note that the Minister for Emergency Services is in the Chamber, and I thank him for his work.
To our nurses, doctors and healthcare staff—many of whom will also be working hard this Christmas period—and to the retail staff, I say thank you. I especially acknowledge my electorate staff who do incredible work helping the people of Vaucluse: Dylan Gojak, Nick McNamara, Carol Freeman, Olivia Di Pasqua and also Nan. I thank the parliamentary staff who keep this place running efficiently and deliver for the people of New South Wales, especially those in Cafe Quorum who keep us caffeinated and fed, which is very important— Kylie and the team. I thank our leader, Mark Speakman, for his extraordinary commitment to this State and to our party. I thank my parliamentary colleagues. I thank the Speaker and his team. To everyone in Parliament, from across the aisle, I say Merry Christmas, and have a safe and happy new year.
