Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

You have to love being back in the electorate when you see the re-opening of the Ulladulla marine rescue facility as the lead event on Saturday morning. Quite literally, Ken Lambert and his team have watched over the phoenix rebuild. Just over two years ago, a new training extension was opened. Four months later, callous vandalism caused it to be burnt to the ground. The Ulladulla community have worked tirelessly and generously to put their facility back in action.

That Saturday evening, Pat Fordham, who has been struggling with illness, showed her fiery, enthusiastic self as she celebrated turning 70 along with all her friends and supporters from the Vietnam Veterans Association. On Sunday afternoon, the village of Shoalhaven Heads showcased their community groups. Three thousand adults and children work alongside each other in an amazing array of community groups, including: Christine Talbot at the historical society; Robyn Flack, working towards the establishment of an aged-care facility; Emily Boorer and the Tall Timbers craft group, raising over $100,000 for Camp Quality; Nola Stevens from the Red Cross; Roger Tilley from the arboretum; Sandra from the Shoalhaven Heads fishing club; Lorraine Montgomery from the View Club; Max Flore from the RSL; Stewart Higgins, with more than 400 members in the Shoalhaven Heads Berry Football Club; Chris Patten and the Heads Handicraft donating to other locals; Jan Hoper from Meals on Wheels; Alan Ross and the computer club; Michelle Bishop and the spring fair; Greg Tedder from National Parks and Wildlife; Pam Clarke from the Lions Club; Helen Fear from Bushcare; Rob Bell from the Shoalhaven Heads Swimming Pool; and Laurie Talbot from the Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum and Chamber of Commerce. All provide a unique network of help, assistance and community spirit.

See this speech in context