Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Goldstein is full of amazing community organisations who focus on how they can improve and support each other. The great strength of our community is how much people turn to each other and make sure they deliver support and assistance. At this difficult time, particularly when people are living the reality of cost-of-living pressures, whether it's going to the supermarket and wondering whether they can afford their red basket or their trolley, whether it's going to the petrol station and wondering whether they're going to be able to get fuel, let alone afford it, critical community infrastructure that supports people, particularly those on lower incomes, is so vital.

That's where the Bayside Community Emergency Relief support service steps in. It's supported by amazing volunteers led by the most incredible Deb Brook, the founder of Bayside Community Emergency Relief—volunteers like Jen Manson, Louis Kee, Tracey Vi, Gabriela Ammendola, Nubu Adam, Patricia Linard, Katie Frazer and Louise G. They work to raise funds, particularly through voluntary donations, from the community so that people who are facing difficult financial times get assistance and support. They volunteer for things like packing kits for women who need basic support and sanitary items so that they can have dignity in their lives when things are tough. I've been down to help BCER in the important work they do in packing those bags, with the enormous value they provide.

They also have an unending need. The need for food relief keeps skyrocketing. Every shopping bag helps us get food to someone who needs it. If you're somebody in the community who can do something to assist BCER, please support them. Donate to them, whether it is money or goods, because it will go towards a good cause—to people who need it. But, most importantly, it will make sure we keep the stitches in our social fabric together.

One of the most important things is that banking services are available to communities where they need it. Whether it's older residents, small businesses that want to stay strip shops, or community groups, it's always important to have those banking services where people are. That's where community banking services have made such a difference, particularly in the suburb of Highett. This year Community Bank Highett are celebrating their 25th year as a bank supporting the Highett community. We want to give a massive shout-out to them, because they go on to reinvest 80 per cent of their profits into community support—into programs that help lift all us up. That 80 per cent equates to $3.95 million of donations over the past 25 years, and I give a shout-out and congratulations to Guireh and the board for all their incredible work. May they have many years to come.

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