Kara Cook (Bonner, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I recently hosted the Bonner Electorate Awards in my community, recognising some truly outstanding local community members. This year's winners represent a different part of what makes Bonner such a special community. Our over-18 winners were truly inspiring. Laura Garside was recognised for years of volunteer service supporting local families through the Wynnum and District Rugby Union Club, Wynnum Ladybugs netball and of course the Iona College community. Joyce Huang was recognised for creating intergenerational programs connecting kindergarten students, special school students and elderly 'grandfriends' to build inclusion and community connection. Finally, Michael Stubbins was recognised for more than 20 years of volunteer leadership with Bayside Community Legal Service supporting vulnerable residents, including women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

We also had our under-18 winners. Ava Costa was recognised for her advocacy through the Walking with Ava Foundation and the Sharing Shed, helping people access essential disability and mobility equipment. Also Vinudi Wijesinghe was recognised for her leadership in volunteering and fundraising initiatives supporting people experiencing homelessness. I congratulate all of our finalists and winners and thank everyone who continues to make Bonner such a special community.

The Albanese Labor government has launched the national Healthy Men Community Conversations Project. The project will deliver a series of community conversations right across the country, bringing together the public and organisations working to support men's health and wellbeing as well as those engaged in family, domestic and sexual violence prevention. It's about healthy masculinity, positive role models, respectful relationships and making sure men know it's okay to talk, connect and seek support. Next week, Assistant Minister Ged Kearney and Special Envoy for Men's Health Dan Repacholi will travel to my electorate of Bonner to speak with organisations, and together we are going to host the very first Healthy Men and Boys Forum at the Wynnum Manly and Districts Men's Shed. It will form part of the national Healthy Men Community Conversations project. I encourage everyone in Bonner to get along and support this wonderful event.

We've got 135 Medicare urgent care clinics now operating right across the country, including two servicing my community of Bonner. The Carina-Carindale and the Capalaba Medicare urgent care clinics have already treated over 8,000 patients since they opened in December. I'm so excited that these urgent care clinics continue to deliver free health care for my local community. They are just such a wonderful addition. I'm proud to see them continue to be funded in our budget.

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