Sophie Scamps (Mackellar, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When I'm not in Canberra, I love being out and about in Mackellar. It really is the best part of the job. We have more than 500 community organisations on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Many of them are volunteer run. All of them are powered by big hearts and tons of generosity. Groups like Zonta Northern Beaches, the Women's Resilience Centre, Computer Pals, Sailability Pittwater, Saltwater Veterans, the Men's Wellbeing Collective, choirs, Scouts, RSL sub-branches and many more. They are the quiet achievers of our community. They step in when someone needs help. They create connection and vibrancy and represent the true spirit of Mackellar.

Over the past two weeks, I've been out and about in the Mackellar community and I've seen that spirit up close. I've met the incredible volunteers at the Collaroy Turtles water safety program, including President Tanya Carmont. They give their time to provide one-on-one support so kids and adults can learn to be safe and confident in the water. I also joined in the races with the Collaroy Swimming Club, the largest ocean pool swim club on the Northern Beaches. At the Special Olympics awards lunch, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of local athletes and the incredible commitment of their coaches and carers. I also met the children from Brewarrina taking part in the Bush to Beach program at South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club. First Nations students who demonstrate regular school attendance come to the beaches to learn to surf and snorkel. Watching their confidence grow is community in action. I must certainly do a special shout-out to Jack Cannon and his team, who volunteer countless hours to get this transformative program off the ground.

Last week, I also attended the relaunch of the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce, where local business owners spoke candidly about the pressures they're facing. I look forward to working with them directly and advocating for policies at the federal level to help our businesses flourish on the Northern Beaches. Thank you to Kylie Harding, the new chamber president, for her hard work to get the chamber up and active again. I was also proud to receive a Scout supporter scarf from the 1st Elanora Heights Scout Group and congratulate Scout Leader Sean Blasdall on achieving his Wood Badge, the highest leadership training level in scouting. My team and I also took part in the RSL LifeCare veterans expo in Dee Why last Friday, an important community event where local organisations come together to connect veterans and their families to services and support.

I am constantly awed by the people who give their time so generously on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, often quietly and without recognition. To every volunteer, organiser, coach and advocate, thank you. Our community is a much more wonderful place to live because of you.