Gordon Reid (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Harriet and I want to talk about the Robertson Christmas appeal. Towards the close of 2025, I asked the people of Robertson for their support in launching the Robertson appeal. I called on my constituents to donate gifts for those doing it tough, and the response from our community was nothing short of extraordinary. In true Central Coast fashion, people responded with empathy, kindness and overwhelming generosity. I know our community well, I know what it's capable of and I was confident that the people would step up to support one another over the Christmas period, and they did in the most remarkable way.

For the Robertson appeal, I partnered with two outstanding local organisations, Coast Shelter and We Care Connect. Both have longstanding, trusted reputations and have consistently delivered essential services that support and empower individuals and families across our community. Coast Shelter has been operating on the Central Coast for more than 30 years and is a leading non-profit organisation providing specialist services and support programs for those who need help the most. We Care Connect supports families and children across the Central Coast, with a strong focus on fostering a shared community approach and working to reverse the impacts of childhood disadvantage. The Robertson Appeal of 2025 concluded with more than a thousand gifts, all of which were received by Coast Shelter and We Care Connect, making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.