Simon Kennedy (Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Tonight I want to recognise the frontline domestic and family violence service workers in the seat of Cook. It's notable that domestic violence often peaks around sporting events. Tonight we have the State of Origin, and I hope the Blues get up. But we need to keep in mind that these are some of the nights that have domestic violence peaking and that have our police being called out. To the men out there, take responsibility tonight. To the women out there, we think of you and this is not acceptable.

Recently in the Sutherland Shire we hosted constructive roundtables with local services, practitioners and advocates. It was co-hosted by the Family Co.'s CEO Ashley Daines; their acting CEOs, Michelle Fairweather and Michelle Long; and Belinda Harrison. In these discussions, we prioritised four areas we want to work on improving in the Sutherland Shire: housing for domestic violence victims, prevention among school students and troubled men, gaps in local services and creating a one-stop shop.

I want to acknowledge Vicki Sherry and the team at Hopefield for the care they provide to local families facing hardship and crisis, particularly domestic violence victims and survivors. It's long been part of the fabric of the community, offering compassionate support.

I want to thank Mark Soper from the Salvation Army. The Salvos are often there when people have nowhere else to go, providing emergency relief and connection and helping numbers of domestic violence survivors.

I want to thank Sheldon Korneluk and all the other local practitioners who support victims-survivors through difficult legal pathways. They do a very important job. For many people leaving violence, legal support can be critical, particularly when safety, parenting, housing and financial pressures all collide.

I recognise Liza Barlow from the St Vincent de Paul Society. Vinnies has a proud tradition of meeting people with dignity, not judgement, and helping with practical pressures—especially domestic violence victims in the Sutherland Shire.

I acknowledge Bernadette Hoy and Elizabeth O'Neill from Orana. Orana's work recognises that safety is not only about leaving a violent situation; it's about recovery, housing, confidence, financial security and children's wellbeing.

I want to thank Tina Demetriou from ACOSS and the broader advocacy that helps connect local experience with policy changes for the work they're doing on prevention.

I recognise Graeme O'Connor and Interrelate for their work with families in the Sutherland Shire.

I'd also like to acknowledge the Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, who've participated in these roundtables; as well as the member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos, who brought great perspectives on how we can help from the state government.

I want to recognise two local councillors: Jen Armstrong, who has done a great job on council in helping raise this; and Jo Nicholls, who's also doing a great job trying to find council assets so we can have a one-stop shop in the Sutherland Shire.

I want to recognise Stef Allen from Kingsway Care and the contribution being made locally, particularly around housing, but also her passion for supporting men and working on prevention.

These organisations do difficult work. They deal with trauma, fear and crisis. They hear stories that most people never hear. They deal with people when they are at their most vulnerable. They carry the weight of helping others through danger and uncertainty. We're going to work together with them and at all three levels of government—local, state and federal—to do what we can do in our little patch in the Sutherland Shire to improve domestic violence services.

I want to recognise Simmo Braun, a dedicated father of three and committed blood donor and wellness advocate. I recently donated blood with Simmo at the Shire donor centre. He's truly a wonderful bloke, and he's doing some incredible things. On 31 July 2026, Simmo is helping to lead an effort to break a nationwide record by having the most blood donations in a single day by one team. This follows the Bloody Good Tour, an adventure led by Simmo, who went all the way round Australia visiting every Lifeblood donor centre in the country and donated plasma every two weeks. I'll be donating blood and plasma with Simmo as part of this effort, and I encourage every person in Australia and everyone in the Sutherland Shire who's able to donate to do so. This small action truly saves lives.

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