Julia Banks (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The volunteer spirit in Chisholm is second to none across Australia and the greatest joy of my role as the member for Chisholm is meeting local volunteers from across the community. It was a true delight to join the Valley Reserve Neighbourhood Watch at their annual Biggest Morning Tea last Friday, raising vital funds for the Cancer Council. The ambience of warmth and goodwill was not just because of a cuppa and the morning tea the volunteers had put on, but rather because of the wonderful community of people getting together for a good cause. Judith and Frank Clancy's passion to help the local community in any way possible shines through and their volunteerism is exhibited in so many ways. Some of the other volunteers and people I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with include: Helen Forer, Graham Lawrence, Len Walker and, of course, Maria and Henri Vollebergh.

I was so proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week, and I also look forward to my annual volunteers awards night in August as it gives me the opportunity to recognise, pay tribute to, and warm-heartedly thank so many of the volunteers who dedicate their own time and commitment—sometimes on an individual basis and sometimes as part of a wider community group, such as the Rotary clubs, U3A and the RSL groups. And, of course, there are all the parents and supporters at the numerous sports clubs, schools and kindergartens across Chisholm, who I love to support with hampers and raffle prizes. I dedicate and pay tribute to all the volunteers across Chisholm.

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