Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is that time of the year when I would like to take a moment to talk about the Pearce community and the achievements and challenges we have faced together over the past 12 months. This is a time for introspection and anticipation as we embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. To our remarkable students, I extend my congratulations on a successful year. Your hard work, resilience and dedication have brought you this far, and I have every confidence that you will continue to shine brightly in the days and years to come. As we approach the hot summer season, I extend my sincere thanks to our three Surf Life Saving clubs: Quinns Mindarie, Alkimos and Yanchep. May your summer be safe and successful. The commitment you show in keeping our beaches safe is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do. Our community thrives because of individuals like you who dedicate their time and effort to ensuring the safety of others. Your vigilance allows families and friends to enjoy our beautiful coastline with peace of mind.

With the 12-month anniversary of the devastating Mariginiup bushfires upon us, I'd like to acknowledge: our dedicated Wanneroo, Quinns Rocks and Two Rocks volunteer bushfire brigades; our Wanneroo Volunteer Fire Support brigade; and our Wanneroo-Joondalup and Two Rocks SES units. With the hot summer months ahead, your readiness and resilience are crucial in protecting our community. Thank you for your unwavering dedication. It is truly inspiring to see how you work effectively together, often putting in long hours under challenging conditions to safeguard our homes, families and pets. Your selflessness does not go unnoticed, and it is a testament to the strength of our community spirit.

I would also like to remind everyone in our Pearce community about the annual Wanneroo Christmas Day Lunch, which I initiated. This event is not merely a meal; it is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, share joy and support those who are in need and alone during the festive season. Thank you to the churches and the Mindarie Rotary club for coordinating past events, and I wish the new organisers of the event every success at their new venue this Christmas. A huge thankyou to Irene McCormack Catholic College for hosting this event in previous years.

To our local sports teams and committee groups, I congratulate you on your hard work for the past winter season. I wish you continued success in your upcoming endeavours. Your contributions enrich our community spirit and foster connections among us all. Let us not forget the special time ahead for our churches and places of worship. May this season bring peace and joy to all congregations as they celebrate together. The faith that flourishes within our communities plays a vital role in nurturing the values of compassion, kindness and understanding that bind us together as one community. To those that have lost loved ones over the past year, I wish you comfort and peace during what can be a challenging festive season. Please know that it is okay to reach out for support when needed. You are never alone in your grief. Our community stands ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. Let us lean on one another during these times.

I'd like to thank all the principals, teachers, staff and parents for supporting our students through the 2024 school year. As we look forward to the new year, I'm pleased to welcome our new school principals and teachers who will be joining us. Your fresh perspectives will undoubtedly enhance the educational landscape, enriching the lives of our children in ways we can only imagine. I'm also excited about the opening of the new Eglinton Beach Primary School, where children can build lifelong friendships while receiving a quality education.

As we reflect on the past year, filled with both triumphs and trials, let us also look forward with hope and determination. We must continue the tradition of engagement by connecting with one another, whether through local initiatives or community events where everyone feels valued and heard.

In closing I want to sincerely thank the Albanese Labor government, whose No. 1 priority is helping Australians with the cost of living, including delivering a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer, cheaper medicines, fee-free TAFE, cheaper child care and expansion of paid parental leave, as well as making sure Australians are getting a fair deal at the checkout. Together we will continue to put our community first, supporting our family, our friends and our neighbours as we move into another promising year ahead filled with joy, good health and new beginnings.