Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Six weeks ago the community of Sarina lost one of their most treasured buildings in a devastating fire. The former Sarina RSL building had been constructed by diggers in 1964. Its purpose was to allow returned serviceman a place to come together and, while not spoken about in those days, support each other's mental health battles over a beer. Unfortunately, due to the pressure COVID caused on the branch, the RSL was forced to close its doors.

However, the life of the old RSL building was far from over, when in January this year it was purchased by selectability. A not-for-profit organisation, selectability, was in the midst of transforming the structure into a mental health hub to support the Sarina community when the tragedy struck. Only days before the highly anticipated opening, a fire broke out in the kitchen before quickly spreading and destroying the old RSL and damaging A&M Parts and Auto Repairs next door.

As the fire began to encroach on A&M Parts and Auto Repairs, workers and locals nearby jumped into action to push every car out of the workshop. Not one vehicle was lost that afternoon due to the swift action taken. Unfortunately, A&M Parts and Auto Repairs was forced to close to assess the damage and undergo repairs with the reopening date unclear. As is the case with country towns, locals rallied around Adam, Mark and their team to help them through these stressful weeks. The Sarina community may be small but it is mighty when someone is in need, and I'm happy to say that A&M Parts and Auto Repairs reopened this week. I wish Adam— (Time expired)