Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I take this opportunity to praise the efforts of a number of community organisations in Forde. Firstly, I commend the Beenleigh Lapidary Club for last year's gem festival. I acknowledge the efforts of President Grace Pickering, Vice President Graham Solway, Secretary Lyn Jeffares, Treasurer Chris Withers and the club members for putting together a fantastic festival. It was great to catch up with them all, and I look forward to this year's event.

Secondly, I express my gratitude to our local Rosies group. In Logan, more than 180 volunteers, including schoolchildren, offer their support to our most vulnerable. I thank in particular the students of Trinity College and Waterford State School. On Thursday and Saturday nights Rosies volunteers visit locals around the Beenleigh station, offering tea, coffee and snacks in addition to moral support.

Lastly, I thank the performers in and organisers of the Beenleigh Theatre Group for their wonderful performances in our community, in particular the musical Fame. Director Christopher King has done a fantastic job, and the locals certainly enjoyed celebrating the 25th anniversary of the musical.