Carol Berry (Whitlam, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to recognise Chloe Ward, who, last month, was named young citizen of the year by Wingecarribee Shire Council for her leadership in environmental sustainability, community service and youth advocacy. Chloe is school captain at Bowral High School. She, along with four other Bowral High students became very concerned about levels of PFAS chemicals in the Wingecarribee River, particularly after a researcher discovered elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in platypus found in Berrima, not far from their school.

PFAS, known as forever chemicals, describes a group of thousands of chemicals used in a range of household products, including non-stick cookware and food packaging. Chloe and her fellow Bowral High School students developed an app to detect PFAS in everyday products by scanning a product's barcode. The app includes a map of PFAS affected areas in Australia, news updates and a petition calling for mandatory labelling of PFAS in products. The students entered their app in the New South Wales government's Game Changer Challenge in 2024 and won the teamwork award.

Chloe has been heavily involved with Rotary Interact, raising funds for local charities, coordinating environmental programs and leading Clean Up Australia Day activities. She also serves on the Future Council international advisory board, contributing to global, youth led sustainability work. I congratulate and thank Chloe for achieving so much at such a young age, and I wish her all the best for the future.

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