Tony Smith (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

In 2009 I initiated the Casey Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Awards to recognise and reward excellence and achievement and to encourage careers in local trades and small business. A committee of four prominent local business leaders was formed to decide on the finalists and the winners for each year, a difficult task given the number of nominations. They volunteered their time, and they have done so since 2009. Mature-age apprentices over the age of 30 have been chosen as overall winners in a number of years. The winners have come from a range of industries: manufacturing, horticulture, landscaping, electrical, plumbing, glazing and automotive. This year will be the 13th year of the awards and my final year given I am not standing at the next election. Of course, I hope the next member for Casey continues the tradition.

Here in this House, I want to thank the judges—Phil Munday from the automotive sector, Sue O'Brien from hospitality, Nick Fraraccio from manufacturing and Clive Larkman from horticulture—for giving their valuable time and being part of these awards from the beginning. I think it's something special that a group of four people who donate their time to do this have stayed together for all those years in dedication to our local community.

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