Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'm happy to speak in support of the motion by the member for Bonner. I'm particularly proud to speak in support of the volunteers from the 830 or so community groups scattered across the electorate of Moreton—some small, some large, all running on the sweat and love of volunteers. There is no doubt about the enormous contribution that our local volunteers make to our society. I'm very fortunate that I get to see their wonderful work everywhere I go.

I recently rolled out my Say G'day in May campaign in Moreton. The aim of the campaign was to introduce locals to community groups that are already up and running in the area. I walked around my electorate—more than 60 kilometres—visiting community groups, walking and talking with local individuals, and spreading the word about volunteering or joining the fantastic community groups that are servicing the south side and beyond. The campaign culminated in the community group showcase, where more than 30 community groups set up stalls with information about what they do, how to join them and how to volunteer so that locals had a face to meet, because often the first and most difficult part of joining a community group is walking through the door into the first meeting. The feedback was extremely positive, and it's likely to become a yearly event in Moreton—although who knows what we'll be doing in May next year—so I look forward to hooking people up with their community, making us a stronger and safer place.

What struck me most was how generous and caring most people are and that they're keen to get more involved, especially once they have been asked or given an opportunity to step forward. A big shout-out to just a few of my local community groups—from the Say G'day in May campaign, I particularly want to mention West Side Community Services, St David's Neighbourhood Centre, Cathay Community Association, Yeronga Community Plus, Braille House, Deaf Services Queensland and Cerebral Palsy League. These groups cannot operate without the immense contributions of their volunteers—ordinary locals who give up their time for the benefit of others.

Every year, in January, we in Moreton recognise the wonderful contribution of volunteers. We have a special ceremony, normally held around Australia Day, to recognise our wonderful volunteers. These awards are to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism in our local community. This year I handed out the 10th anniversary Moreton community service awards. Annually, one volunteer out of all the nominees is awarded the Sir James Killen Award—Sir James was a previous member for Moreton—for their outstanding contribution to volunteering in Moreton.

This year, Lady Bernice Killen, on behalf of her late husband, presented the Sir James Killen Award to Joan McGrath. Joan has been the treasurer of the Salisbury Moorooka St Vincent de Paul Conference. She has been the touchpoint for many locals from Moorooka, Rocklea, Annerley and Salisbury and beyond who are experiencing hardship. Her role involved coordinating the resources to maximise assistance with rent, utilities, food vouchers, school resources and much more for these locals who need a helping hand.

Joan McGrath's commitment to social justice and building community is also reflected in her work with the local refugee community. Again through St Vincent de Paul, Joan participated in local settlement services to provide support, advocacy and information to some of our newest Australians, helping to make them contributing members of society. Other volunteers obviously are doing similar work, but I wanted to particularly call out Joan McGrath. These other volunteers who are making the south side stronger and safer include Lisa Briggs, from the Sherwood Australian Breastfeeding Association; Brian Tovey, from Oxley Neighbourhood Watch; Phyllis Stockwell, from the Bethesda Caring Centre; Bill Elliott, from Yeronga Men's Shed and Annerley-Stephens History Group; Naomi Frampton and Paul Hodges, from Annerley Community Bookshop; Ruby Luder, from Yeronga Dutton Park RSL; Julie Segal, from the Kurilpa Scouts; the Reverend Heather Griffin for her work promoting community harmony; Mary Jane Lepre, from St David's Neighbourhood Centre; Colleen Williamson, from Omega International foodbank; Craig Schooth, the vice-president of Runcorn State School P? Lyn Cassar, the president of Kuraby Special School P? Leonie Hoey, from Lloyd Rees Park; Robin Blackson, from the Yeronga Anglican Church op shop; Ron Goeldner, from Yeronga Districts Residents Association, St Sebastian's P&F, Hyde Road kindy, the RSL, the local NHW and many more—well done Ron—Denis Peel, from the Annerley Stephens History Group; Jacquie Rogerson, from the Sunnybank Scout Group; Paul Rogerson and Michelle Flooder, from Scouts; Thomas Yuen and Rex Low, from the Australian Cantonese Association; Michelle Gadke, Michelle Langley-Taylor and Raina Davies, from Belong; Maria Hong, from the Australian Cantonese Association; and Willy Frommolt, from St David's Neighbourhood Centre. I could go on. There are many others I could mention, from the tuckshops, P&Cs and sporting clubs, and they should all be commended.

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