Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to acknowledge two major milestones in my community of Newcastle. This year marks 40 years of Surfest, an event that has become synonymous with Newcastle, our surfing culture and spectacular beaches. What began in 1985 as our local surfing competition has grown into the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere. I especially want to acknowledge the vision of Surfest founder, Warren Smith, whose passion and hard work helped build something truly lasting for our city. His legacy is seen not only in the event itself but also in the generations of surfers, volunteers and supporters who have carried it forward.

For four decades, Surfest has welcomed surfers from across Australia and indeed around the globe to our shores. But Surfest is much more than an elite competition. It's about the volunteers who arrive before sunrise to help run events. It's about the families who gather on the sand to watch the next generation of surfers take to the waves. It's about local businesses, community groups and sponsors who come together each year to make it happen. Surfest has helped put Newcastle firmly on the global surfing map, showcasing our beaches, our lifestyle and our love for the ocean. But, just as importantly, it's helped nurture young talent and inspire thousands of people to get in the water and have a go.

I also want to acknowledge a remarkable milestone for our community, the 10th anniversary of Got Your Back Sista. For the past decade, Got Your Back Sista has provided life-changing support for women and children escaping family and domestic violence. It is important to acknowledge the founder, Melissa Histon, whose compassion, determination and leadership helped turn a grassroots idea into a vital organisation supporting women across Newcastle, the Hunter and beyond. Her vision and the hard work of the board, staff, volunteers, advocates and supporters who have stood alongside her has changed lives.

Through practical assistance, mentoring, financial support and simply standing beside women when they need it most, Got Your Back Sista has helped hundreds of women rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and hope. Behind this work is an extraordinary community of volunteers, supporters and advocates who believe that no woman should have to face violence alone. The courage of the women who reach out for help and the dedication of those who support them is nothing short of inspiring.

Anniversaries like this give us an opportunity to pause and recognise the sometimes quiet but no less profound work being done in our communities every day. On behalf of a grateful community, thank you for your passion and commitment to making a positive difference each and every day.

Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with the resolution agreed to by the House on 23 March 2026, the time for members' constituency statements has concluded.