Mrs PHILLIPS (Gilmore) (13:51):  With everything that has been going on lately—bushfires, COVID, floods—it is wonderful to have a good excuse to laugh. Earlier in March, I had just that when I attended Comedy For A Cause at the Pavilion Kiama, raising money for fantastic Kiama Lions Club projects and Kiama Community Radio. This was a real treat and I was so delighted to be there, along with a large contingent of locals, looking for a good old belly laugh.

Club President Veronica said that after the last year she felt our community needed a laugh, and did we ever! The Kiama community has certainly had a tough year, tougher than many across the country. But the Kiama Lions Club has been there every step of the way, supporting local people and helping them through it. Clubs like this are instrumental to country communities like ours but we see their value most during the tough times. It was a great double whammy to have some fun and to raise some money for a wonderful cause.

For those who don't know, Comedy For A Cause is a not-for-profit organisation created by comedians to help local clubs fundraise. It helps to give comedians a place to showcase their talents, and we know how hard that has been during COVID as well. Thank you to the Kiama Lions Club for everything you have done to support our community this year and always. Thank you as well to the many community members who turned out in support of this great event, sponsors, organisers and everyone involved.