Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also congratulate the member for Banks on bringing this motion before the House as it gives all of us an opportunity to reflect upon the good work that various organisations do within our community to enhance not only community spirit but also the general operation of the community.

I would also like to indicate that I have Comissa Hunter with me today. He is part of the Indigenous student program—a program absolutely worthwhile supporting. I and the member for Werriwa have one of the biggest Aboriginal populations in New South Wales in our electorates. I pay particular respect to Aunty Norma Shelley and Aunty Mae Robinson who do an extraordinary amount of good work for the Aboriginal community of the south-west of Sydney. Both are former teachers—I would hate to say 'in their twilight' so I will not say it—and both are very committed and active in supporting the Indigenous communities of the south-west of Sydney. Their passion and commitment is something that should be recognised and they have played an extraordinary role in looking after members of the Indigenous community.

I also reflect on an organisation which is making a huge difference in Fowler. There are many things in Fowler that I am particularly proud of but I am certainly not proud of the unacceptable high level of youth unemployment. One organisation which is committed to making a difference is South West Connect, which operates throughout my electorate. South West Connect works with schools and businesses to provide placements for year 11 and year 12 students in the Fairfield, Cabramatta, Merrylands and Liverpool areas, particularly those who are studying vocational education and undertaking appropriate training courses. Many students have been offered part-time, casual and full-time work as a result of their participation on completing their work experience. This is a good result for students and a fantastic result for local businesses and for anyone who believes in our local community.

Recently South West Connect won a number of awards, particularly for the most outstanding specialised business in 2011 in the Fairfield local business awards. These achievements are a testimony to the hard work of the board members and volunteers, including its executive officer, Carol Richardson, and her team, among them Heather Doyon, work placement team leader, and Trish Booth, partnership brokers team leader.

As I mentioned at the outset, there are a range of organisations that do wonderful work in our communities with the sole intention of making the community and community life better. One such organisation, which I know that the member for Werriwa has also had an association with, is the Autism Advisory and Support Service, led by Grace Fava, a woman who has two autistic sons. She has thrown herself in in a voluntary capacity and set up an organisation which goes out very actively to advocate on behalf of and support those families in our community which are afflicted in some shape or form with autism. I wish we could do more for people such as Grace Fava, because her organisation is very much funded and operates through her commitment and that of her fellow volunteers.

In the brief time I have available I also acknowledge the Victory in the Pacific committee led by Taffy Richards and his executive, which each year commemorates the momentous Australian military history marking the end of the Second World War, particularly in regard to Australians in the Pacific theatre and what it meant for our country. I am very touched by having been invited to speak at that commemoration, not all that long ago. The number of young people who turned up for the commemoration was particularly impressive.

I also acknowledge the work of the Lions Club that operates in the area and particularly, at both the Canley Vale High School and the Cabramatta High School, the Leo clubs that operate to encourage young people to put providing service above self. I pay particular respect to and acknowledge the Cabramatta Lions Club president, Jenny Tew, for the invaluable work she does throughout our school based community as well as the broader community as a whole. (Time expired)

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