Emma Comer (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week was National Volunteer Week, when we recognise and celebrate the incredible volunteers that are the lifeblood of our communities. The region I'm humbled to represent has more than 300 volunteer organisations, groups that are made up of everyday champions doing their bit to make our community a better place, whether it's the crew at the coast guard keeping our waterways safe; the teams at Breakfast Club or Meals on Wheels, who are looking after our most vulnerable; the team at Bridge FM keeping us entertained and informed; the folks at U3A sharing their knowledge and experience through informative courses, helping to fight off isolation; the commitment of the Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary, who have raised so much money for our hospital, to make it a more welcoming and more healing space; the dedicated crew of SES volunteers lending a helping hand when we need it most; or the volunteers within scout groups teaching our kids invaluable life skills.

Our community is a better place because of our incredible volunteers, who donate their time to support others. As a government, we know how vital volunteers are, and, as a reflection of that, since the Albanese Labor government were elected, we've provided more than $250,000 to these volunteer groups through grants. Through the community consultation panel that I formed recently, we've got more than $66,000 on the way to some very well-deserving volunteer groups.

I want to take this moment to thank each and every volunteer in our community. We're all better because of you.