Leon Rebello (McPherson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to begin by commending the member for Barton on moving this motion. The member for Barton's contribution on the experiences and the various individuals and groups that have influenced her and influenced the incredible person that she's become, I think, is something that we in this chamber have been privileged to hear. So well done.

I'd like to say that we are entering a time that is very important not only to my community on the southern Gold Coast but to people across this country, and for various reasons. I was up in Merrimac last Saturday, when the community came together, hosted by Gold Coast Property, for a community Easter hunt, which is something that went down very well, especially amongst the young people—although sometimes, on the Gold Coast, a lot of chocolate in Queensland's sun doesn't really end up very well. But it was a lot of fun, nonetheless. In particular, the event brought the Merrimac and broader Gold Coast communities together in raising funds for the Kelly Wilkinson Foundation. Danielle, who is Kelly's sister, has been doing an incredible job in trying to raise awareness in that space. I commend her on the work that she's doing as well.

Easter on the southern Gold Coast is coming up, and I say to the many Christians across my southern Gold Coast community that are celebrating Easter: I wish you a very happy Easter. Enjoy the time with your family and with your friends, and take that opportunity to get a bit of a pause out of what is no doubt a busy life and a busy period. Sometimes, it's those small moments that you get with your family that must be cherished and relished.

For me, on the Southern Gold Coast, something I always do—my parents came from Goa in India. It was a Portuguese colony in India at the time, and so we were all raised as Catholics. I play the piano at the local Catholic church, and I'll be there again for Easter. We have Infant Saviour in Burleigh Heads for a 7 am service, and then we typically go to Mary, Mother of Mercy at 10.30. I say to all the people who attend those services and those who volunteer at those services: thank you for everything you do for the Christian community, not just for Easter but across the year as well.

We also have other parts of the Gold Coast celebrating Easter. I say to the team at Glow Church and to the incredible supporters there who I've had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with over the last few years, it's a very special day for all of us and all of you, so please make sure you enjoy the weekend and use it as an opportunity to commemorate it.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 17:30 to 17:56

As I was saying, we are entering a period of great celebration and great reflection for the Christian community in McPherson. I say to the people, especially those who are having to work over this period of cultural celebration—to the police officers, the ambulance drivers, the hospital workers and those looking after our community—a massive thank you for what you're doing for our community. If there's any way that we can support, please do reach out to my office.

Something else I'd like to talk about is the fact that, whenever we have these events that are periods of families coming together and community coming together, it's also worth recognising that there are many individuals—especially in my electorate, where the average age is slightly older than in the rest of the country—who are suffering from loneliness and isolation. I would say to our community that we have some incredible volunteer groups and community groups who go out of their way, especially around times such as Easter, to make these members of our community feel included. Thank you very much for all that you do.

On that note, I'd finish by saying to the people of McPherson: have a very happy Easter. Enjoy the time with your family and your friends, and enjoy what a beautiful period it is on the southern Gold Coast. We have the best weather and the best sense of community in the country. Make the most of it. Be safe if you're travelling. Travel safe and come home with your family, united and ready for the rest of the year.

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