David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Congratulations to the Lake Cathie Medical Centre on the official opening of the new rehabilitation centre as part of an $1.8 million expansion. The expansion was made possible thanks to the federal coalition government investing $300,000 towards the project. The federal funding has been made available under the coalition's Rural and Regional Teaching Infrastructure Grants Program. It's an amazing facility. It will enable the medical centre to increase its capacity of physiotherapists as well as add exercise physiology and occupational therapy. The rehab centre has five consulting rooms, increased gym floor space as well as a magnificent hydrotherapy pool and a gym section. It will also expand the facilities available in the co-located medical centre, freeing up rooms for more consulting rooms and space for teaching medical students and supervising GP registrars. Ten local tradesmen were employed during the construction and, obviously, there has been expansion in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Congratulations to Lianda Constructions and Dr Sam Nelapati, who led this expansion in the medical centre.

I would like to congratulate John O'Keeffe, a 57 year veteran of the New South Wales State Emergency Services, who was recognised in front of his family, friends and colleagues with a 55-year long service award and clasp. John is a former unit commander and volunteer and is now part of the Taree capability unit and still going strong. He's seen the service change and evolve since he first joined in 1963 and still maintains his passion for New South Wales SES today. The whole state emergency staff and volunteers, including two life members and the local mayor, David West, all came together to recognise John's contribution to the community of New South Wales.

I would also like to congratulate and highlight two students at Taree High School. Year 11 student Amber Kelleher is now the Taree Lion's Club Youth of the Year. She won the overall award as part of a public speaking competition at the Taree Lions Club Youth of the Year quest. The other entrant was Taree High School captain, Sam Moss. The judges were retired teacher Keith Davy, New South Wales Food Authority manager Mr Ruprecht and Manning River Times journalist Rob Douglas. Amber and Sam were both interviewed about their contributions and involvement in school, leadership, sport, culture, community and citizenship. They were both worthy contestants but, unfortunately, only one can go through to the final, and that was Amber. They both gave excellent impromptu speeches on what Australians find most valuable in the future of printed media, such as books and newspapers, in relation of the rise of electronic media. Congratulations to them both, and I look forward to hearing about their future careers.