Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a humid day in Brisbane a fortnight ago, well over 200 people crowded into the Wellers Hill Bowls Club to celebrate the most selfless people in our community. The annual Moreton Volunteer Awards is one of my favourite events of the year. This time it was bittersweet because it was my 17th and final awards, but we certainly finished on a high. This year's 53 award winners were people who gave up their time in community centres, multicultural groups, RSL sub-branches, P&C associations, girl guides, scout groups, schools and so many other parts of our community. There were award winners from all sorts of clubs from ponies, to soccer, to Lions, to swimming, to cricket, to AFL and even to croquet. We applauded three 2024 high school graduates whose time at school was distinguished by their conspicuous community service and a Rotarian who is celebrating 50 years in the organisation. We honoured a men's shed stalwart, people who teach traditional Taiwanese dancing, a koala rescuer who's available 24/7, a church leader who fixes parishioners' cars, some Meals on Wheels volunteers, some refugee and asylum seeker volunteer workers and so many more. It was an impressive, wide range of community organisations. Beyond these differences, the recipients all share some key factors in common: they are generous with their time and their knowledge, they care for others, they're humble and they look to make the world a better place.

Right now, when so many people are doing it tough, these inspiring community workers really make a direct difference on the ground. Together, they illustrate the diversity of the Moreton community, but, more than that, they demonstrate the shared values of our community. They also showcase the benefits that come with volunteering. We know how it positively impacts our community, but it also has a myriad of personal benefits. Volunteering has been shown to decrease the possibility of depression, anxiety and social isolation. It builds social capital and the connections you have with those around you, and it increases your sense of satisfaction and happiness. I can affirm that there was certainly a lot of happiness, laughter and good cheer at our awards. After the event, the local and state elected representatives joined me in mingling with the recipients—a great, swirling group of people—and we heard more about the challenges and successes of these local legends. I'm now lucky and proud to count many of these people as my friends after representing them for 18 years.

I'd like to thank those who took the time to nominate the recipients and our wonderful emcee—the best emcee in Australia—Lewis Lee, who is himself a dedicated volunteer. I also thank the Wellers Hill Bowls Club for their ongoing support and giving us a room for free; it's a great venue. Congratulations to all the volunteers who received an award, and I'm sure Julie-Ann Campbell will continue this next year.

Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' constituency statements has concluded.