Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is the most wonderful time of the year—Christmas being something different for everyone. For most it's a joyous occasion, but it's not necessarily a great part of the year for all of our community. Christmas is the time to expand our giving, encompassing those in need. It's a time for sharing, because there's no greater gift than if you can give your own time.

I want to acknowledge the Rotary Club in the Fassifern Valley, because it's giving soldiers that are serving abroad a taste of some country hospitality this Christmas by sending no fewer than 60 specialised diggers packs to the Middle East. It was my pleasure to contribute puzzles, pencils, Australian flags, diaries, notepads, envelopes and writing paper to those diggers boxes, along with the homemade cakes, chutneys, jams and jars of Vegemite. It's a great opportunity to show how we appreciate our nation's servicemen, who may be spending time away from their families. It will possibly be the only gift they get at Christmas until they return home to their families.

I also recently donated some stationery packs to Able Australia in Jimboomba. Able Australia are like the safety net in our community; they help people who are disadvantaged with food packs and other assortments. Back-to-school supplies can be an expensive cost for families looking to get children back to school. So it's been an opportunity for me to give something to the community.

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