Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At a recent community morning tea, I stood in front of 150 of Tangney's great community leaders. Standing shoulder to shoulder were people representing groups and organisations from across the electorate—from the Melville State Emergency Service to the WA Chi Woo Athletic Association and the Willetton Toastmasters club. I gathered leaders from all faiths and representatives from some of Tangney's many community language schools, including Chung Wah, the Western Australian Maldivian Association and the Iranian Association. As I looked out to the crowd and introduced them to foreign minister Penny Wong, the diversity of our Tangney leaders in the room made my heart feel so warm.

Engaging and servicing the community has always been my priority. First, as a police officer, where I connected with the community in a different way, and now, as the federal member for Tangney, where I engage with different leaders and organisations to strengthen our community. Being in the Tangney community and seeing the dedication, passion and hard work of our community leaders helps recharge my battery.

At every event I attend and support, it is clear that Tangney's diverse and dedicated community is one of its most valuable assets. The conversations among the different groups show our collaborative spirit. Community building also happens in many different forms. The business community in Tangney is vital, and there are 17,242 small businesses in my electorate of Tangney.

Last week, I visited Idea 2 Reality in Kardinya and looked at their modular construction ideas. Together with our Minister for House, Clare O'Neil, we spoke about housing productivity. I also visited BSC Electronics with our Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic. BSC Electronics makes complex measuring equipment, and the vast majority—almost 95 per cent—of what they make onsite is exported overseas, to all over the world. This is one of the great ideas in Tangney that is helping deliver a future made in Australia.

Community is also about service and the many volunteers who serve without expectation, including volunteering on the sidelines at Tingara Netball Club—I recently visited the newly resurfaced courts, one of my election commitments—leading the Riverton Scout Group and selflessly washing dishes in the busy kitchen in Perth Hindu temple.

I was also recently at the Canning Vale gurdwara for their Sunday weekly service. The first thing I felt when I walked in was the warmth and peace of this beautiful place. And the first thing I saw was the kitchen where everyone was cooking, cleaning and serving people with love, kindness, compassion and care. I love coming to Canning Vale gurdwara, and I see all my brothers and sisters who serve the community tirelessly and selflessly. I was deeply saddened when I heard, just a few days ago, about the incident that happened outside the Canning Vale gurdwara. I offer my support immediately and stand in solidarity with my Sikh brothers and sisters, who continue to lead with peace and harmony.

As leaders, we must prioritise harmony. Following the Tangney community leaders' morning tea, one of our guests from the Rostrata Family Centre called out, 'This is our community champions morning tea.' I could not agree more with this word 'champion'. Our leaders are our champions. They look after our communities so well and contribute to our Australian multicultural society. Thank you to all our community champions for your work and commitment. Together, we will continue to serve our wonderful and diverse Tangney community.