Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Inclusive and respectful communities build a stronger Australia by empowering all citizens to contribute their talents. Strong citizens equal strong families, strong communities and a strong nation. Recently, Hampton Life Saving Club celebrated the contribution of women to lifesaving. In a panel, we heard from Mia Osler, Sophie Pratt, Janine Mitchell, Brett Macaulay, Betty Macaulay and Veronica Croaker about the club's Pink Patrol Program, which is increasing female participation in lifesaving. Betty was the club's first female president and she reminded us that barely 40 years ago women weren't even eligible to work as lifesavers. Today, they make up a critical part of our lifesaving community. We're proud to acknowledge that Life Saving Victoria has an equal 50-50 representation of women and men across all the state's clubs.

Following the panel, at the life members lunch, we heard from the club's young leaders, the future: Tom Horton, Samuel Marcus, Joseph Hetherington, Josh Laney, Savannah James, Elizabeth Auditore and Caitlyn Henry as well as Madeline Marcus, Matilda Clarkson and Sam Higgins.

The road to equality and inclusion is hard fought and demands strong leadership in our communities to empower and encourage others to stand up and take responsibility. So congratulations to the Hampton Life Saving Club on the success of their initiatives and thank you for helping to build a stronger community and a stronger Australia.