Ash Ambihaipahar (Barton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Bravo to Jahnava Tevita of Earlwood District Girl Guides, who has been awarded the highly acclaimed Baden-Powell Award. Unfortunately, I could not attend Jahnava's ceremony. Because of that, I want to celebrate her award here with you all in the Australian parliament. The Baden-Powell Award recognises guides who have outstanding commitment to the Girl Guide promise and law, outdoor skills, service to others and leadership within their unit. I'm told that Jahnava has gone above and beyond in demonstrating these values, having been an active member of Earlwood District Girl Guides since she was six. She's a girl after my own heart, completing this award without fuss, all by herself, whilst lifting up her peers. Jahnava, your perseverance, your humility and your leadership are going to take you very far. A special shout-out to her leader, Rosalie Nunn, too who has supported Jahnava along the way.

Congratulations to Hurstville Community Garden. Not only has this fantastic community group pulled off a very successful Clean Up Australia Day; they are also going to open their own permaculture garden. Green spaces are so important to metro communities like Barton. They give us a space to escape the daily grind, connect with nature and, more importantly, meet like-minded neighbours. But they only happen when community members take time out of their busy schedules to chip in. I'm excited to cut the ribbon for this beautiful space which will open this Saturday. I will also get to plant a beautiful native, one of many that will thrive in this beautiful space. Thank you to Charlotte Mullins, Gemma Palmer, Daniela Wheatley and the whole Hurstville Community Garden's team for making this space come to life.

Last year I attended the Raise mentee graduation ceremony at Kingsgrove High School. Raise is a not-for-profit organisation that runs youth mentoring in our local high schools. It partners keen local volunteers with students who need a little bit more support during their high school journey. In doing so, the program provides a trustworthy, empathetic mentor to each student. This creates a safe and welcoming space for the student to chat through the challenges they may be experiencing at school and in their personal life with a champion who will back them 100 per cent. This sees the student grow in confidence and get through the difficult years of high school. I want to take this chance to thank Kingsgrove High School, to congratulate its students and, most importantly, to give a huge shout-out to the local mentors, like Andrea, who put their hands up to be a mentor. You are making such a difference to these young people's lives.