Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise for the first time in these 90-second statements to congratulate two remarkable constituents of mine in the electorate of Berowra. Kerrie and Sean McArdle, who are not related to me I might add, do a great deal of work for charities and they educate the community about mental illness. Following my call for people to send packages to our soldiers serving overseas—and I know that was a call echoed by many other members of this House—Kerrie and Sean swung into action and started work canvassing local businesses and putting together parcels for our troops. The community got behind them and they managed to package and post off an amazing 270 parcels. This was a remarkable effort on their part. It was physically exhausting but I know they found it exhilarating. I can only imagine the reactions of our troops to their efforts when they received these gifts. As we approach Anzac Day, I encourage everybody to reflect on those who are serving our needs in that way. I say to Sean and Kerrie: thank you for getting behind our troops and putting together these parcels. I ask others to emulate their example.