Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The people of the Ipswich region in my home state of Queensland have big hearts. Senator Stoker and Senator McGrath are here from Queensland. Madam Acting Deputy President, you originate from Queensland. You all know what I'm saying is correct; the people of Ipswich have very, very big hearts. As we go into the Christmas period, there are three outstanding organisations that will be supporting those in need over the Christmas break. I want to give them a shout-out. Firstly, I want to mention Ipswich Assist. Jason Budden and his team provide emergency food and accommodation to people in need in the Ipswich region. The team at Westside Community Care, under the leadership of Pastor Phil Cutcliffe, provide emergency assistance, including food and help to schoolkids at the beginning of the school year. They make sure kids have everything they need when they turn up at on the first day of school, so they're not embarrassed in front of their mates. They do outstanding work. City Hope Care, under Pastor Mark Edwards, do outstanding work, including providing domestic violence help kits to people in need, and working closely with the Queensland police force. Each of these three agencies—Ipswich Assist, Westside Community Care and City Hope Care—will be reaching out to people in need over the Christmas period, and I call for everyone in the Ipswich region to help these three agencies, as I will be, to support people in need and to embrace the true spirit of Christmas.