David Batt (Hinkler, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Health remains a key challenge facing regional Australia. My electorate of Hinkler is the nation's top spot for the number of people living with one or more long-term health conditions. For the past two years, we've been blessed to have one of our very own local GPS in the position of president of the AMA Queensland, Dr Nick Yim, who concluded his tenure on 14 May. I thank Dr Yim for his ongoing advice to me regarding many matters, including Medicare, care delivery, aged care and so much more. Doctor Yim is a passionate medical educator, and he'll remain as immediate past president of the AMA Queensland for the next two years. I commend him on his advocacy and commitment to long-term planning instead of bandaid solutions for our GPS in regional Australia.

In Queensland, May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. The awareness campaign is coming to an end, and the theme this year was 'Together we can prevent domestic and family violence.' Together my community of Hinkler is making a difference. Together we are remembering. Together we are standing against violence. Bundaberg Netball, Bundaberg Rugby League and Bundaberg Soccer Association each held special awareness rounds in support. I had the privilege to join school students and community members at walks for awareness and I also joined a huge turnout in Bundaberg CBD on 6 May for a sombre vigil to remember lives lost to domestic and family violence. Many local businesses all turned purple for the cause. These events are led by Edon Place, an organisation which has provided domestic and family violence support, assistance and services to my community for almost 50 years. I acknowledge the work of Jenay George from Edon Place and all the staff who have been at the forefront of the community engagement.

I'd also like to recognise the role of the DFV Free Community Working Group, which consists of many community services and stakeholders, together making massive inroads with a vision to end domestic and family violence. And there's a new voice in Hinkler. It was an absolute privilege to be at the launch of the Bundaberg Upbeat Arts choir, a project which creates connection, builds community and gives participants purpose. It provides those living with a mental illness an opportunity to join a choir and make new friends. This is the fifth choir of its kind to be established and the first outside of the south-east corner of Queensland. I want to acknowledge the Upbeat Arts staff, volunteers and participants and make a special mention of general manager Susan Gilmartin, who I've had the pleasure of knowing since my much younger days. Susan is Bundaberg born and bred, and it was fantastic to see her launch this powerful project in her home town, and for her parents, Jim and Margaret Dean, to be on hand was very special. I hope this project can keep growing both locally and more widely, because music and like-minded people are good medicine.