Last week I had the absolute pleasure of being in George Town for the opening of its new aquatic, health and wellbeing centre. George Town, as some people here may know, is one of Australia's oldest European settlements, with a convict history stretching back to 1804 and, of course, a much, much longer Tasmanian Aboriginal history. It's a town with deep roots built on hard work, with generations of families connected to the local industries along the Tamar—our farms, tourism and small businesses. While its history is something to be proud of, I'm just as interested in what comes next, because the people of George Town have faced some real challenges recently. The closure of Liberty Bell Bay has been absolutely devastating for workers and families. After 18 months of uncertainty surrounding Bell Bay Aluminium, we finally secured its future for another five years, and this has brought some much-needed relief. Through those challenges, I've spent a lot of time working with people. I know how very deeply they care about their town—they know their town—their jobs and the opportunities that their children will have. So it was particularly lovely to be there celebrating another positive step for George Town's future.

This is far more than simply a swimming pool. We have a heated 25-metre indoor pool plus a warm-water program pool, as well as a full gym, a dedicated fitness room with regular classes, and spaces for allied health services and a cafe. What excites me most isn't just that equipment or what's there on the ground; it's what people will be able to do there. It's a little one learning to swim and discovering a new confidence. It's someone recovering from surgery and rebuilding their strength close to home, rather than needing to travel 40 minutes into Launceston. It might be an older resident keeping active, perhaps staying for a coffee at the end of a swim and finding a new friend. Importantly—my favourite part—this centre has been designed with accessibility in mind. We have step-free wheelchair access throughout, accessible change rooms and amenities, a lift and equipment to help people with mobility challenges to get into the pool. It's not a minor design detail; it's the difference between being invited to enjoy a facility and actually being able to use it. For people in George Town, having these facilities close to home and available all year round, no matter what the weather is, means more opportunities to enjoy them without having to travel.

I'm so proud that our government contributed $15 million to this project, alongside $2.5 million from the Tasmanian government, because your postcode should never determine the opportunities you have to live an active and healthy and connected life.

I want to pass my thanks on to George Town Council, the builders, the designers, including Tasmanian firms Fairbrother and Philip Lighton Architects, and the people whose work brought this centre to life—not only on time but on budget as well. To the local community, I know you care deeply about this pool. I know you were concerned when the outdoor pool was removed. Thank you so much for contributing your ideas and continuing to care so much and advocate for what George Town can become next. This centre will open on 12 November, and I hope people of all ages and all abilities come along on that day to enjoy it.

Of course, we know there is more work ahead for George Town. Securing Bell Bay Aluminium was an enormous achievement, but supporting workers, strengthening local industries and continuing to create local jobs for that next generation will really remain top of my to-do list. I hope moments like this remind people that there is a great deal to look forward to in the north. My hope is that this centre becomes somewhere people feel welcome, where the friendships will grow and where local families will make memories, just as they did at the old pool—memories that they'll carry with them for years to come. George Town deserves a future every bit as strong as the people who call it home, and I couldn't be prouder to represent them.