Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One of the special things about the electorate of Ryan is that we host the second-largest population of military personnel in Australia. We are always welcoming new members and their families as they adapt to their new location and make new friends. I was delighted to attend the Defence Community Organisation welcome event for these families at Gallipoli Barracks last weekend.

There were many community and government organisations present, standing by to welcome and support our Defence Force families. The day was hosted by the Defence Community Organisation, a group which offers programs and services to Defence families. They support families with the challenges they may face living the military way of life, but they also provide opportunities.

It is important we have these groups to make life easier for our Defence Force families as they relocate into new communities. It was a great day and a wonderful opportunity to meet so many members, their partners and their families. I particularly want to thank those support groups in the community and welcome all of our new Defence Force families to Ryan. We have a wonderful and inclusive community and I am sure all the families will enjoy their time in that location.