Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge two very special milestones in Central Queensland: the 100-year celebration of the Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club and the 40th birthday of the Central Queensland Family History Association. These are two very different organisations, but both represent the very best of our region. Both have served our community with dedication, both have brought people together and both have helped preserve something precious, whether that is lives on our coastline or the stories of the people who have built our region.

It was a real pleasure to join the Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club for its centenary celebrations and to see the pride that so many people have in this outstanding club. For 100 years the club has helped keep beachgoers safe while building a strong sense of community across the Capricorn Coast. Generation after generation of volunteers in the red and yellow have stepped up to protect others, often without fanfare, simply because they care deeply about their community. That kind of service deserves to be recognised, and this centenary was a fitting opportunity to honour all of those who have helped shape the club's proud history.

For me, it was also a particularly special occasion because my own family has a long association with the Yeppoon club. I was pleased to sign the commemorative surfboard and reconnect with past nippers and long-term members whose dedication has helped shape the club over many decades. It was wonderful to see the memorabilia on display. It reflected a proud history of volunteerism, mateship and achievement. More than that, it told the story of the people who gave their time so others could enjoy the beach safely.

Surf lifesaving clubs are part of the fabric of coastal communities, and that's certainly true in Yeppoon. They teach young people discipline, resilience, teamwork and respect for the ocean. They bring families together through nippers, patrols, carnivals and volunteer service. We are celebrating much more than an organisation; we are celebrating a century of public service, local leadership and community spirit. That is a legacy every member, volunteer and supporter should be proud of.

I also had the pleasure of attending the 40th birthday celebration of the Central Queensland Family History Association at historic Glenmore Homestead. It was a wonderful setting for the occasion, a lovely morning filled with stories, conversation, morning tea and George Birkbeck's famous damper. Visiting Glenmore Homestead also brought back memories for me, having attended bush dances there in my youth. It was a warm and fitting celebration of an organisation devoted to preserving local stories and local identities.

I was pleased to present a congratulatory certificate to President Roseann Creagh in recognition of this special milestone. Congratulations also to Linda Marshall, vice-president and secretary, and Chris Wright, technology coordinator, who were awarded lifetime memberships for their incredible contributions over many years. Guests also heard from lifetime members Sharon Wright and Karl Makela, who shared memories from the association's early days and reflected on how much it had grown over 40 years. Moments like these remind us that strong organisations are built by people who quietly give their time, knowledge and heart to a cause they believe in.

Today the association holds an impressive collection of 6,094 resources, including microfiche, books, special collections and digital archives. That is a remarkable achievement, and it speaks to the importance of their work of preserving the stories of Central Queensland families for future generations. Family history is about more than names on a page. It's about understanding where we come from, appreciating the sacrifices of those who came before us and making sure local stories are not lost. The association's work has practical outcomes too. In 2023, I was asked to present a copy of When the Americans came to town, written by local author Norma Hempenstall, to Caroline Kennedy, who was the American ambassador to Australia at the time.

In a fast-moving world, organisations like these need help to keep us grounded in our shared history. Whether it is saving lives on the beach or preserving the stories of our region, both organisations reflect the very best of Central Queensland. I congratulate everyone involved with Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club on their centenary and the Central Queensland Family History Association on 40 years. These milestones reflect the service and community spirit that make Central Queensland so special. They deserve our thanks and very best wishes for the future.