Geoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Congratulations on your elevation. Last week, the Prime Minister visited my electorate of Bass for the 36th community cabinet. During this visit we were able to announce a special payment of $50,000 to the Launceston Benevolent Society to help it continue its important work. This grant will assist the society refurbish premises in Kings Meadows, to help it cope with growing demand.

I was thrilled that this money was made available to the society. It will enable it to rebuild at Kings Meadows, to continue to provide financial and social support for the needy in Launceston. The society, the oldest benevolent society in Australia, was founded in 1934 in Australia's third-oldest city and we must ensure that it continues to deliver its services to local families, helping older Australians live independently, assisting families with cost-of-living pressures and supporting women affected by domestic violence. These are just a few of the ways the society assists people in the Launceston area.

The Launceston Benevolent Society can only undertake this important work with its 25 volunteers, who assisted around 8,000 individuals last year. The new premises will enhance the services provided by these volunteers. I congratulate the Launceston Benevolent Society on receiving this grant and look forward to it continuing to serve our community for another 180 years.