Politicians Josh Burns and Georgie Purcell name baby in tribute to Bondi tragedy

After a week of hardship and despair for Australia and the Jewish community, this little baby knew what she was doing when she entered the world a few weeks early to bring some much needed joy.

Taking to social media Monday night, Federal MP Josh Burns and Victorian MP Georgie Purcell announced the arrival of their baby girl, Lilah Poppy Purcell.

Little Lilah Poppy entered the world weighing 2.56kg, with the proud dad saying her name represented “hope for a life of love, beauty and peace.”

Burns, who is Jewish, wrote a loving statement on Facebook, reflecting on the “immense lows and highs” he has experienced in the past week.

He wrote: “I think there’s hope in both of her names being different coloured flowers. Out of darkness, flowers and beauty grows.

“She’s already the best combination of sweetness, strength and love.

“Georgie is a superhero, straight after her body went through major surgery, she’s stepped right into being such a loving and attentive mum.

“I personally have experienced both immense lows and highs over the past week.

“My heart will always stay with my community who are in mourning, but I’m also feeling so grateful to have my daughters and partner with me at home.

“Our country has given me the most wonderful gifts, and I am determined to raise my daughters to be proud of their Jewish heritage and to express it openly in Australia. Children are not born with hate.”

“Now I have two jobs to do:

“Firstly, changing nappies and being present as a father. And secondly, I’m determined to help shape a better future for my daughters and my community in our county.

Burns is the Labor MP for the federal seat of Macnamara, in inner-Melbourne and Purcell is an Animal Justice party MP, representing northern Victoria in the state’s upper house.

In what the couple say was an unintentional decision, their daughter’s name also reflects their politics.

Lilah meaning lilac, is a purple flower and reflects the Animal Justice party’s colour.

Poppy on the other hand, a red flower, is representative with the Labor party.

The couple made their official public debut at Canberra’s 2024 Midwinter Ball at Parliament House last year and a year later, they announced their pregnancy on social media.