Leon Rebello (McPherson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's been another busy and uplifting period for our southern Gold Coast community. I've met with local residents, businesses and community groups who've celebrated milestones and cherished opportunities to come together as we move into the festive season. I'd like to extend my warm congratulations to all southern Gold Coast students on a fantastic school year, particularly the year 12s, who celebrated their final day last week. It has been a pleasure to join our school communities as they wrap up the year and to help recognise students whose achievements, character and contributions make our community proud.

I'd also like to make very special mention of and welcome representatives from the incredible Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in my electorate, including senior veterinarian Dr Michael Pyne OAM, who is here in the chamber today. Also joining them are representatives from the RSPCA and Australia Zoo. The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital does vital work in protecting our wildlife. In 2024 they faced their most demanding year on record, admitting more than 16,000 sick, injured and orphaned native animals, a surge driven by the devastating impacts of natural disasters, disease and ongoing habitat loss. The hospital has delivered groundbreaking progress through applied research programs that are changing the trajectory for some of Australia's most at-risk species, including our beloved koalas.

The team is here in Canberra this week to advocate for, amongst other things, certainty in their recurring funding. I'm proud to help amplify their needs to ensure that they can continue their vital work in conservation, research and caring for our wildlife. I'd like to thank each and every one of the volunteers and the workers at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for everything they do for our community.

Earlier this month our community gathered for Remembrance Day to honour all who've served our nation to safeguard the freedoms that we cherish today. It was wonderful to see so many young people and also school groups who attended and took part in local services. This ensures that the next generation will carry forward this reverence for our veterans, and that is critical. In the lead-up to Remembrance Day I had the honour to meet 104-year-old Sergeant Audrey Kingsbury from the Coolangatta RSL Sub Branch. Audrey served as an Army signaller during the Second World War, and I was inspired to hear her story of service, her quiet strength and her lifelong dedication and devotion to our nation. I thank Audrey and all our veterans for their extraordinary service. None of us here would enjoy the freedoms we have today without them.