Many families in my electorate know what it's like to watch a member of the Australian Defence Force head off for their duties, whether it's a disaster recovery operation, an exercise or a military operation. Last week, I got the chance to take part as an observer of Exercise Keris Woomera that Australia does in partnership with Indonesia. It's our largest offshore exercise. This is not the first time I've taken part in the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program, but it is the first time with the Navy and an Army weapons unit. The program provides insight into the complexities associated with defending Australia and its national interests and helps us, as members of parliament, understand the capabilities and activities of the ADF. As a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence, I think it's even more important to gain insight into what life is like serving in Defence. What it showed me was the extraordinary skill, commitment and endurance of our sailors, soldiers and aviators, who worked long days in East Java in heat and humidity as they fulfilled their duties during the exercise.

More and more Australians are choosing to join and stay in the Defence Force, with a record $1 billion investment by the Albanese government putting Defence recruitment and retention back on track. Over the last year, more people have signed up to be sailors, soldiers, aviators or cyber and space operators in the Australian Defence Force than at any time in the last 16 years. During 2025-26, the ADF grew to its largest size in a quarter of a century, with more than 8,100 new personnel, expanding the full-time and permanent workforce beyond 64,000 people. Recruitment growth has been recorded across all three services, with the Navy achieving its highest intake in 16 years, Army its highest intake in 12 years and the Air Force its highest intake in 24 years. Importantly, the separation rate—the number of people choosing to leave the ADF—was 7.4 per cent, the lowest it's been in 15 years. The men and women who wear our nation's uniform go to work every day to keep Australians safe. I thank the officers and crew of HMAS Choules for hosting me, the C-130J Herc team, who flew us there and the Army troop who showed me the ropes. I thank you all for your service.

Nepean District Historical Society have proudly marked the 50th anniversary as custodians of the historically significant Arms of Australia Inn at Emu Plains. Dating from 1826, the Arms of Australia Inn was one of 23 roadside inns in the Nepean district and the last stop before starting up the mountain road and the trail west. The sun shone for the celebrations, stalls, costumes and displays. Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School students entertained us all, while visitors could explore the inn and see some of the extensive collection of historical items. It's thanks to the vision of Penrith City Council and the Nepean District Historical Society members of the 1970s that the inn was restored as a museum of local history for the district.

To mark the occasion, Penrith deputy mayor Hollie McLean was presented with a ceremonial cane that had belonged to Michael Long, a former Penrith mayor, returning this historical piece to council's care. As you'd expect at an inn, sustenance was available, with tea and scones with jam and cream in the tearoom, while the Lions Club barbeque proved popular as well. Congratulations to historical society president Phillip Braham and all the volunteers who keep this part of our history alive.

I want to say a big thank you to the volunteers of the Glossodia Rural Fire Brigade, who have celebrated a significant milestone—the 85th anniversary of their brigade. When this brigade started, the volunteers used knapsacks and beaters to fight fires, but, now, the 70-member brigade is equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from bushfires to house fires, floods and traffic accidents. Closely connected to their local community, they'll soon be getting ready for their annual Santa Run. I can't wait to cut the ribbon on their new sign, part of improvements that they've made with their $50,000 federal Macquarie grant. Congratulations, Captain Peter Morrison, President Paul Crick and all of the amazing brigade members past and present.