Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It's always the small but significant gestures of the members of our community that make a real difference in the lives of those around them. I'd like to take the time today to give recognition to one of my constituents in Bass, Anne Hamer, who works tirelessly making quilts to bring warmth to dialysis patients. What started as a one-off to keep her husband comfortable as he underwent treatment has turned into a passion project for Anne, who has lost count of the quilts she's made for patients at the Kings Meadows renal unit. The renal unit is increasingly busy, and I commend the Morrison government for its $10 million commitment to redeveloping and extending the Kings Meadows Community Health Centre, which houses the renal unit, in order to meet increased demand for renal and oral health services.

The social, cultural and economic value that volunteers, like Anne, bring to the local community needs to be heard. Anne is just one of approximately 400,000 volunteers in Tasmania who give their time in a way that positively contributes to the wellbeing of other individuals and communities. In Tasmania alone, volunteers donate over 7.1 million hours to the community annually, and it would cost an incredible $2.5 million to replace the work that they do. Patients who are undergoing treatment at the renal unit in Kings Meadows are comforted by the warmth of their quilt and by Anne's kindness. Thank you, Anne, for your contribution.

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