Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last month, I had the great opportunity to visit King Island, our great island off an island off an island, and it's been one of my highlights of the year so far. It was a great opportunity to meet with locals, with businesses and with community groups and to have a chat about things that matter to people on the island. I started the day with a little walk down the street, talking to businesses and shoppers about some of the important issues happening in the aviation sector. It was a great way to get involved on the island—having a brekkie at the bakery and being able to explore around, as it was my first time on the island.

I then had an opportunity to meet with the King Island Council, whose big-picture thinking about the island's future was inspiring. The mayor's very unique way of presenting to me the great industries and businesses was a real stand-out. My next stop was at the CWA, where I met the wonderful ladies who keep the community together, who are constantly checking in on the community and also serving some pretty bloody great scones.

I then had a great opportunity to visit Sally at the Phoenix Community House. I love community houses and the service that they do for the community. I heard about what they do, saw their veggie garden and heard about how they are building a sustainable future on the island with fruit and vegetables. I then, of course, stopped by and visited King Island Dairy. Everybody knows King Island cheese is the best cheese in the country.

I then had an opportunity to participate in a stakeholder session at the King Island Regional Development Organisation focusing on the challenges in the regional aviation sector and giving the locals a chance to raise their ideas and solutions with me. What struck me most was the absolute kindness and welcoming nature of the people of King Island and the beautiful fresh air. I can't wait to spend a lot more time there in the future.