Katie Allen (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on the motion moved by the member for Parramatta, and to congratulate our hardworking volunteers across Australia. I thank them for their outstanding efforts, particularly in the last 12 months. Six million Australian volunteers contribute 600 million volunteer hours each and every year. That's an amazing statistic, and something that we should all feel proud of as Australians. I know that people in this room have volunteered and that people across my electorate of Higgins have volunteered. Australians love to volunteer.

The pandemic has placed significant strain on volunteers across Australia and, indeed, right across the world. We know that, because COVID has created a particular situation. But volunteers have pivoted to do things differently. I really congratulate my hardworking constituents and volunteers in Higgins for the work they have done to pivot during COVID-19.

As we know, volunteers are the lifeblood of our local communities. We're lucky in Higgins to have a cavalcade of hardworking, dedicated and generous volunteers providing countless hours of support to our community. Last week, it's worth noting, was National Volunteer Week, Australia's largest week celebrating volunteers. This year's theme is 'Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine'. How appropriate, after the COVID-19 pandemic, which we know is still ongoing—particularly in my home state of Victoria. This year's theme is about recognising the hard work of our volunteers; reconnecting, which has been so difficult during COVID; and reimagining because, of course, we've had to pivot during COVID.

So it's befitting that I recognise a number of individuals in my electorate and the fact that they and the organisations they participate in have received significant support from the volunteer grants that our federal government—the Morrison government—has been distributing to each and every electorate right across Australia. That's $10 million each and every year, and this year it has increased to $20 million—so it has been doubled. I know that the volunteer organisations in my electorate of Higgins are very grateful for this contribution from the Morrison government—indeed, from the taxpayers of Australia.

The first one I'd like to talk about from my electorate is the Ashburton United Soccer Club, which I visited last year before the lockdown. Barry Poulsen has been a volunteer at the club for over 35 years and is a life member. He has been an incredible contributor to the Ashburton soccer club. His extensive involvement has been particularly through championing women's involvement and by promoting inclusiveness. It's fantastic to see that he has been recognised for the wonderful values he holds and the support that he gives to his club. The Ashburton club received a volunteer grant which enabled it to buy new computers and IT equipment, something that many sporting clubs need now that they're becoming digitalised. It makes it easier to keep track of what they do, and they're very pleased with that grant.

Another organisation is JoCare, based in Malvern. Kerri Anne Brussen is the coordinator for JoCare. Her army of volunteers is another great example of an organisation that pivoted. Kerri Anne teamed up with my office to make sure that the volunteers in her organisation could get out and support the vulnerable through printing of the services that they could provide to help with outreach to the socially isolated and those experiencing loneliness to provide them connections back to the community. Particularly through lockdown in Victoria, these were sorely needed services that were incredibly appreciated by those in my electorate.

Lastly, I want to mention a very long-serving volunteer, Mrs Patricia Lorraine Bridger, who has just celebrated her 100th birthday in Samarinda aged care in Ashburton. It was a delight to join Patricia, her family and friends for this very special occasion to celebrate her 100th birthday. It's one of my most favourite things I do as a member in parliament. I was able to provide a letter from the Queen, a letter from the Prime Minister and a birthday card from myself. She was born in 1921 on 14 April, and what was really beautiful is that she was wearing a pearl necklace given to her by her daughter which has 42 pearls—a pearl for every child, grandchild, great-grandchild and now great-great-grandchild; 42 pearls of joy around her neck. The celebrations exemplified her wonderful, long and happy life. I asked her the secret to her wonderful life and she said, 'A happy family.' Pat has lived an extraordinary life of selflessness. She's been involved in school committees and community fundraising. She has been a member of the East Malvern RSL for over 35 years. Congratulations, Patricia, and I look forward to your 101st birthday.

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