Simon Kennedy (Cook, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I'd like to acknowledge Mr John Nour OAM, who has been recognised for his service to the Coptic Orthodox Church and to the Egyptian community. His contribution exemplifies the vital role faith and cultural organisations play in my local electorate in fostering inclusion, providing support and strengthening cohesion in our multicultural society. Through leadership, service and quiet dedication, Mr Nour has helped build bridges across my community and ensure faith remains a source of unity and supports many local families. He is a great man. I congratulate him on this very well-deserved recognition.

I also rise to acknowledge a number of outstanding local organisations that have recently received volunteer grants. Making a significant difference across the Sutherland Shire, St Raphael's Catholic parish has parish minister coordinator Michael Fernandes, as well as Thomas Alukka and Jan Chrzczonowicz. For their service, leadership and dedication, we gave them a volunteer grant so they could continue to do great work in the community.

I recognise Lilli Pilli Public School P&C and Carlie Sidey for helping organise a number of great volunteer events at Lilli Pilli and building a lovely community garden there. I'd also like to acknowledge Gymea Bay Public School P&C, coordinated by Renee Kirchner, as well as Laguna Street Public School P&C association, organised by Beaux Thompson. These parent led organisations are essential to strengthening our local school communities and supporting students.

I'd like to acknowledge 1st Caringbah Scout Group, organised by Sharon Abbott, for their commitment to youth development and leadership in the local area. At Southside Church, I'd like to recognise Pastor Phil Macarthur for his leadership and service in my community. I'd like to acknowledge Kingsway Community Care. Under the stewardship of Brook Stewart, they provide an essential role in my community with housing, and they also help a number of domestic violence victims and their families.

I commend Swim Coffee Chat and the Cronulla Gropers, founded by Jason Dorahy and Lee Murphy. They do amazing work, and I enjoy participating with them, swimming out to Shark Island. Every day, they're out there looking after men and men's mental health and doing a great job. Thank you gentlemen for what you do for our local community. I'd like to acknowledge the extraordinary work of Dandelion Support Network led by Gabrielle Humphreys and operation coordinator Kaylene Pring. They support families in need and women with children with prams, strollers, car seats—beautifully arranged—and often domestic violence victims as well. Thank you for what you do for our community.

I want to recognise Skillz4Me founder and CEO Sarah Costello and program director Sarah Diener for their work supporting young people and families. I've been there and seen what they do with disabled children in our community, often some of the highest needs disabled children, providing a safe space and a network for all these families. Ladies, thank you for what you do.

The St Luke's Anglican Church Miranda parish organised by Philip moss and the Catholic parish of St Aloysius led by Father James McCarthy—both are great people who do great things for people of faith in our community. I'd like to thank Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking, organised by Greg Spencer, whose volunteers give their time and keep people safe on our waterways. I'd also like to acknowledge the Morris Children Fund, founded by Garry Morris. They do fantastic work visiting the local schools in my electorate where there are disabled children to equip beautiful sensory rooms and all types of great programs so they can participate like every other child in our electorate. I'd also like to acknowledge the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation led by Kate, Vince and Matt Fitzsimons. Congratulations on the work you do. Again, I am so sorry for your recent loss.

They've got compassion, commitment and they help families and children in need. Each of these organisations and the individuals behind them represent something profoundly important. They remind us that strong communities are not built by governments; they are built by volunteers, faith leaders, parents, coaches, fundraisers and everyday Australians who choose to make a part of their life the doing for others. I place on record my sincere thanks to every individual organisation I have named tonight. Their work strengthens our local community, helps the vulnerable and embodies the very best of the Sutherland Shire.

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