Mrs PHILLIPS (Gilmore) (13:06): One of the most wonderful things about being a local MP is getting to talk with and support so many fantastic community groups and organisations right around my electorate. The amount of time and effort people in Gilmore pour into their communities is truly inspiring, and I am always thrilled to get out and about to see what they have been up to.
I'm so proud to have delivered a financial boost through the Albanese Labor government's Stronger Communities Program to nine South Coast organisations. These nine groups, from scouts to soccer clubs and a wonderful local theatre company, will share in $112,000 to help them support our communities.
I dropped in to visit the volunteers at the Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet unit, who will use their $17,962 grant to upgrade their radio room. The grant will allow the ageing radio room to be refitted and for radios, computers and phones to be replaced with current, state-of-the-art communications equipment. With an influx of new members and existing members keen to become radio operators, it is vital that the service has a dedicated space and equipment that is fit for purpose.
The Sussex Inlet marine rescue volunteers do such an incredible job keeping local and visiting boaters safe all year round, but particularly over the summer holidays, when the population swells. Around 70 active community members give their time to the unit, and I was really pleased to be able to help out with a grant for the upgrade in appreciation of the wonderful work they do in Sussex Inlet and beyond.
The Sussex Inlet chamber of commerce has received a $15,000 boost from the Stronger Communities Program to equip the local community event centre with an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, as well as solar panels to help reduce running costs.
In the north of my electorate, a grant will assist the Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club to upgrade their female, gender-neutral and parent room amenities, while the Jamberoo Youth Hall will also receive help to install solar panels and air conditioning.
I'm really pleased to be able to assist the Nowra based Albatross Musical Theatre Company with a grant to replace audiovisual equipment to enhance their wonderful local performances. The company provides incredible opportunities for budding thespians of all ages to tread the boards, and in November they will celebrate the group's 50th birthday.
The Bomaderry Scout Hall will receive an injection of $3,448 to replace ageing lights with high-efficiency LED lighting, which will help lower running costs and reduce the group's carbon footprint.
In the south of the electorate, grants will help the Milton Ulladulla Panthers Football Club purchase first-aid kits and a stretcher for the 10 female teams, while the Moruya Soccer Club will install defibrillators at their playing fields.
I was really impressed when I visited the volunteer run Rally for Recovery op shop at Tomakin, which will soon enjoy a new accessible shed, thanks to an $18,500 grant from the Stronger Communities Program. The Rally for Recovery volunteers are so hardworking, creative and generous. Over the past 25 years they have raised more than $4 million for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.
What started as a car rally has morphed into a fantastic op shop where people can grab a bargain for their house or garden while reducing landfill and, importantly, helping kids with cancer I dropped in with the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and we had a look at the old sheds they were operating out of—and, yes, we grabbed a few bargains while we were there!
The upgrade will mean that people with disability can volunteer more easily, connect with the community and take part in the wonderful fundraising efforts at Rally for Recovery. I can't wait to see their brand-new shed completed.
Organisations like Rally for Recovery, Marine Rescue and the Albatross Musical Theatre Company support and engage people in our communities, whether that is through sport, music, social activities or by keeping us safe.
The Stronger Communities grants deliver small infrastructure projects and equipment that support local groups and encourage participation. I congratulate the nine recipients and thank all the volunteers who give their time and skills to help create vibrant, connected and, of course, stronger communities right across Gilmore.
