Wednesday, 14 August 2024


Members statements

Charlie Desira


Natalie SULEYMAN

Charlie Desira

Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (10:03): Today I rise to honour the remarkable life of St Albans local Charlie Desira OAM, who passed away recently. Charlie dedicated himself to establishing the food bank for refugees and families in the west at Holy Eucharist Catholic church. For over 24 years he volunteered so many hours leading the Holy Eucharist Loaves and Fishes food bank. Every Friday Charlie and his dedicated volunteers would deliver parcels of food to hundreds of families, providing hope and a sense of community. During the pandemic he distributed many, many parcels of food to the vulnerable, and he also delivered Christmas hampers each year. I would like to pass on my deep condolences to Charlie’s family, his friends and the broader community. Charlie will be greatly missed. I miss him for his friendship and of course the contribution that he made to St Albans and the west.