Angie Bell (Moncrieff, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Hansard source

The one issue that Australians raise with me more than anything is the cost of living, and families are genuinely hurting at the moment. This Albanese government is doing nothing to ease that pressure. Between out-of-control inflation, interest rate rises, mortgages that are skyrocketing, soaring electricity bills and housing uncertainty, Australians feel simply forgotten by this government. In my electorate of Moncrieff, we're very fortunate to have an army of community organisations who dig in their heels and support those doing it tough, cleaning up the train wreck that this government is creating. Thanks to the Albanese government, many families and individuals who used to donate to charities are now unable to.

I'd like to highlight a few of those outstanding organisations and express my deepest admiration and gratitude for the important work that they do in our community. St John's Crisis Centre in Surfers Paradise is headed up by Di Eadeh and Di Kozik, offering those doing it tough a hand up with food, clothing and wraparound services. Thanks to the team at St John's, and those who support them in our community, for always going above and beyond.

Show the Way, who I recently visited in Southport, strive to make a difference for those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity and those escaping from domestic violence. They provide large and nutritious food boxes for $25 for people who can no longer afford groceries. Thank you to the passionate CEO and founder, Amber Ford, for being a community champion in Southport. Amber told me how Show the Way has seen a really big increase in the number of people seeking its services, including pensioners and single parents.

Havafeed, which is run by Lindsay and Robyn Burch—wonderful people—in Mermaid Beach, has been operating since 1994, providing hot meals, food hampers and support to our local community. Lindsay and Robyn received a 2021 Moncrieff Volunteer Award from my office, to show our appreciation for all they do. They were also named the 2023 Gold Coast Senior Australians of the Year recently. Congratulations to Lindsay and Robyn for that accolade.

Serving Our People, also based in Mermaid Beach, headed up by CEO Yas Matbouly, has been supporting our community since SOP was established in 2020, during the pandemic. The incredible work that the team at SOP have done includes opening the first free supermarket in Queensland, to help feed struggling households, and now those with much higher mortgage payments are reaching out.

There are many organisations doing amazing work on the Gold Coast. Sadly I can't name all of them, but Set Free Care in Southport, the Silver Bridle Action Group at the Lynne Richardson Community Centre in Molendinar, and Rosies—Friends on the Streets are always working so hard to support our community. Thank you to all the volunteers. Thank you to all the organisations who are helping those in need. Our community is a much better place because of you.

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