Cameron Caldwell (Fadden, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak on one of the iconic suburbs within my electorate of Fadden, Runaway Bay. Many people on the Gold Coast will be well aware of the iconic nature of this suburb. It's reached some milestones recently that I thought were worth raising today.

Firstly, the Runaway Bay shopping centre recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary, and there will be some activations happening for the community during the next 12 months to celebrate that milestone. Also, the Runaway Bay Seagulls Rugby League Club, which is an iconic and important part of our community fabric, recently celebrated 50 years, at the end of 2024. I was able to be there for that celebration and the launch of their book to commemorate that. Established in 1974, the club still play in their traditional red, white and blue. Recently the Runaway Bay Little Athletics Club celebrated 45 years. I thank Rene and the team of volunteers that provide for that club, up to 450 members.

Secondly, today I pay tribute to local AFL legend and Labrador Tiger Aaron Shattock—or 'Shatts', as he is affectionately known—who was injured in an accident at his home in December last year. After 25 days in intensive care, Aaron was transferred to a ward to begin his long recovery. Aaron is a former Brisbane Lions player, but more importantly, at a local level, he has been a Labrador Tiger since 2007 in his capacity as player, assistant and head coach as well as committee member. Most recently he was leading the club's new change room construction, which is a great project. In a couple of weeks time the club will hold a working bee to complete preparations for the 2025 season. My congratulations to Luke Black, the president, David Loft and all the committee on bringing the club family together. My best wishes to Aaron and his family for a speedy recovery. Go, the Tigers!

I pay tribute to and acknowledge those fellow Queenslanders in North Queensland who are suffering under a terrible weather event at the moment. When regional Queensland is in pain all of us Queenslanders share that pain, with many of us having family, friends and a shared history with that part of Australia. Tragically, a woman lost her life in Innisfail, which is one of the hardest-hit areas. I was encouraged to see 60 SES volunteers arrive in Townsville from South-East Queensland. I thank all our frontline workers for the effort they have put in to try and keep our community safe. I give a special mention to my federal colleagues on the ground: the member for Herbert, Phil Thompson; the member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox; and Senator Susan McDonald. They've been there for their communities in their time of need, and I know that, under the leadership of Premier Crisafulli, we will rebuild and recover. North Queensland, we will be there for you all.