Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Across Australia there are everyday heroes quietly going about their work, changing lives without ever seeking recognition. In Rockhampton one of those heroes is Roylene Robinson. I recently had the great privilege of visiting an op shop in Rockhampton, Moo & Coo. On the surface it might look like a simple op shop, but, when you step inside, you quickly realise it's so much more than that. It's a hub of compassion, community and care, and at the heart of it all is Roylene.

Roylene has been giving back to her community for decades. In fact, for the past 47 years, she has selflessly opened her home and her heart to 280 foster children, a staggering achievement from one woman whose love, patience and generosity knows no bounds. While many people would be winding down in retirement, Roylene is as busy as ever. Through Moo & Coo she continues to provide dignity and support to those doing it tough. She and a small-but-mighty team of volunteers are a lifeline to people from all walks of life: those escaping domestic violence, families struggling to put food on the table or men trying to get back on their feet after time in prison.

Roylene believes in lifting others up not just by meeting their basic needs but by treating every single person with respect and care. Moo & Coo is what Roylene describes as a real op shop where everything is genuinely affordable. It's not just about lower prices; it's about practical help. The store provides food packages, ready-to-heat meals, baby bundles, school supplies, dignity packs, furniture, clothing—whatever people need, Roylene finds a way to provide.

Right now, the demand is greater than ever. The cost-of-living crisis is biting hard. Families are being pushed to their limits by soaring rent, petrol prices and grocery bills. A recent Salvation Army social justice stocktake report confirms what many of us in Capricornia already know: our region is in the grip of a housing crisis. Eighty-two per cent of people surveyed identified housing affordability or homelessness as a major issue. Nearly half of them said it was impacting them personally. It's estimated that there are 574 people currently homeless in Capricornia, and we're short over 3,500 dwellings. Add to that that 58 per cent of people in our community are experiencing financial hardship. These numbers are shocking, and behind each one is a real person; a real story; a story of struggle, resilience and, too often, falling through the cracks.

That's where people like Roylene step in. When the systems fail and people are at their lowest, Roylene and her volunteers are there offering food, offering comfort, offering hope. Roylene's heart beats for her community, and her work reminds us of the power of kindness. She isn't motivated by headlines or awards; she's driven by compassion. In a world where people often feel forgotten, Roylene makes them feel seen.

Today I want to say thank you on behalf of our community, on behalf of every person you've helped, on behalf of every child whose life is better because of you. You are the very definition of a local hero, and Capricornia is stronger because of you.

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