Sharon Bird (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Vocational Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to report to the House that, in October 1998, some Wollongong citizens who attended the NewDay Church, which was formerly known as the Wollongong Church of Christ, commenced a seniors event. It was called Fifty Plus; however, people of a wide range of ages—indeed, up to 93—participated in the event. It was an entertainment occasion with a resident band and singers who put on a show, along with local entertainers. Along with the entertainment, people got a cooked two-course luncheon for just $10—an absolute bargain—all prepared in-house in the church kitchen. A team of 43 volunteers, led by Ruth Milne, worked very hard to make this event come to fruition.

I was very pleased, under the former Labor government's volunteer program, to be able to get a grant for them that helped purchase kitchen equipment and some whitegoods. They have been doing this, as I said, since 1998. Sadly, they are now at a point where this year will be the last occasion that they will be able to hold this very joyous event. I pay tribute to the team that put it together and wish them all a very, very hearty and joyful occasion on 3 December for their final Fifty Plus event. Congratulations to all.