Renee Coffey (Griffith, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I ask you to imagine being a child in an unknown place, without a toothbrush, without clothes that fit or without something as simple as a toy or book to call your own. Sadly, this is the reality for thousands of children across Queensland in care or crisis—kids facing neglect, poverty, domestic violence or homelessness. That's why Care Kits for Kids Qld, based in Camp Hill in my electorate of Griffith, is so important. They send a powerful message to children in care or crisis: you matter, and your community cares about you. Each care kit contains essential items, including new clothes, toiletries, books and comfort items, all lovingly packed into a backpack. I was delighted to join co-founder Stephanie and some of their amazing volunteers last month as they celebrated their third birthday. I want to say a huge thank you to Care Kits for Kids Qld, their donors and volunteers. Your compassion ensures that some of Queensland's most vulnerable kids are cared for and supported when they need it most. Thank you.

I would like to recognise Kate Warhurst, a courageous and compassionate change maker from my electorate, and founder of It's from Elsie. Devastatingly, Kate's beautiful baby girl, Elsie, passed away just seven days after she was born. In her grief, Kate has created an impactful way to honour Elsie's life by creating It's from Elsie, through which picture books are donated to NICUs so parents can read to their babies even when they can't hold them. Recently, what would have been Elsie's third birthday was marked with a special campaign to raise funds for Elsie's House. I encourage our community to join with me in supporting It's from Elsie and the vision of Elsie's House.

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