North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club Centenary Annual Awards
Celebrating 100 years of North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club and congratulating award recipients for their outstanding service, teamwork, and commitment to keeping the community safe and strong.
Housing Australia Investment Mandate Amendment and Labor's Infrastructure Failures
Condemning Labor’s housing policy for fuelling demand while locking young Australians out of home ownership, and calling for a “build-to-own” approach that prioritises families and first home buyers over super funds and corporate landlords.
C Care and Vietnam Veteran's Day at Cronulla RSL
Backing local group C Care in their call for urgent, science-based action to restore sand to Bate Bay and protect Cronulla’s coastline for future generations, and honouring Cronulla RSL’s 100 years of service and the sacrifice of Australia’s Vietnam veterans.
Labor’s Failure to Consult Businesses for the Fair Work Amendment
Condemning the government for failing to consult small businesses or provide a regulatory impact statement on the proposed bill, and urging greater transparency, scrutiny, and respect for those struggling to stay afloat in communities like Caringbah.
Special Olympics Polar Plunge and the Wanda Surf Life Club
Commending the Cook community for braving the cold at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge to champion inclusion for Australians with intellectual disabilities, and celebrating 75 years of service by the Wanda Surf Life Saving Club for its dedication to safety, teamwork, and community spirit.
Cronulla Gropers and NDIS
Honouring the Cronulla Gropers for fostering connection and supporting men’s health, and urges the Albanese Government to reverse rushed NDIS pricing cuts that jeopardise essential care and dignity for people with disability.
Sutherland 2 Surf 2025
Sport’s power to unite was on show at the Sutherland 2 Surf, with 8,000 locals taking part. Aidan Velten and Danette Sheehan took top honours, and local talent Jared Hurly and Sienna Bass won the under-16s. Thanks to the organisers, volunteers and supporters who made it possible.
Surf Lifesavers, Small Business and Cook Community
In the first week of the 48th Parliament I rose to congratulate the dedicated members of our local surf lifesaving clubs for their outstanding service, athletic achievements and commitment to keeping our beaches safe. I also acknowledged the success of small businesses across Cook, who continue to drive our local economy and community spirit. Finally, I offered my deepest condolences following a tragic jet ski accident in our area, and paid tribute to the bravery of the first responders who acted with courage in the face of tragedy.
Tribute to Julie Fitzsimons and Community Win for Gunnamatta Pavilion Upgrade
Honouring the late Julie Fitzsimons for her work with the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation and celebrated a community win securing upgraded facilities for clubs at Gunnamatta Pavilion.
Cook Electorate: Australia Day
Australia Day Awards 2025 - Citizen of the Year John “Veagey” Veage is honoured for his photography and surfing advocacy, 12-year-old volunteer Harrison Edwards exemplifies youthful community spirit. Project Youth is recognised for supporting homeless youth, environmental champion Rhonda Daniels for her long-time Bushcare service, and sports stars Dan Michel and Jarvis Earle for their achievements. Order of Australia recipients Michael Byrne, Paul Archer, Graeme Wynn, and Terry O’Hara round out the tribute with their exceptional contributions.
Gwawley Park - Taren Point
The AFL Sharks and AFL Southern Dingoes have secured grants to upgrade Gwawley Park's lighting, enhancing their night-time training facilities; however, the Taren Point Titans, a dedicated club with 25 teams and 470 players, continue to train under inadequate lighting, necessitating support for similar improvements. Community members are encouraged to sign the petition advocating for the Titans' lighting upgrade to ensure equitable conditions for all clubs at Gwawley Park.
Energy
It was a pleasure to stand in Parliament to honour the dedication of Sutherland Shire Police Area Command officers, celebrated the success of Wanda Surf Life Saving Club's Tradies One Club Carnival, and commended Kirrawee High School's Taylor Harding for her achievement in the My First Speech competition.
Wanda Surf Life Saving Club and Kirrawee High School Student Taylor Harding
It was a pleasure to stand in Parliament to honour the dedication of Sutherland Shire Police Area Command officers, celebrated the success of Wanda Surf Life Saving Club's Tradies One Club Carnival, and commended Kirrawee High School's Taylor Harding for her achievement in the My First Speech competition.
Sutherland Shire Police Area Command Medals and Awards Ceremony
On September 20, the community gathered at Woronora Memorial Park and Cemetery in the Sutherland Shire to honor 24 police officers who sacrificed their lives in service, with commendations awarded to officers and a community member for their bravery and dedication.
Housing
Middle Australia is struggling as rents and home prices soar, yet Labor’s housing promises remain unfulfilled, and home-building rates are at historic lows. As migration rises, the Liberal Party will prioritise infrastructure, reduce red tape, and balance migration to ease housing pressures.
Cook Electorate: Community Services
In Cook, 555 domestic violence incidents and significant homelessness highlight the urgent need for support. The Family Co., Project Youth, and Kingsway Community Care are among the local organisations working tirelessly to provide crisis housing, youth mentorship, and family support, embodying the strong volunteer spirit that defines this community.
Cook Electorate: Gymea
Last Sunday, 50,000 locals gathered at the 41st Gymea Village Festival, celebrating the community and supporting local businesses. In Parliament, the urgent need for government action to restore Gymea Bay Baths was highlighted, with community members already taking steps to clean up the area.
Nicole Fitzsimmons Foundation and Marine Rescue New South Wales
Honouring the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation for its dedication to travel safety education and support for aspiring performers and athletes, and expressing gratitude to Marine Rescue New South Wales and its volunteers, including Ian Baker, for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our waterways.
Dandelion Support Network, Project Youth, Phoenix Community Project
The Dandelion Support Network, Project Youth, and Phoenix Community Project are exemplary local organisations in Cook, tirelessly supporting families, youth, and individuals with disabilities amid the cost-of-living crisis, yet they urgently require increased government funding to continue their vital services.
Cook Electorate: Gymea Bay Baths
Gymea Bay Baths in Cook have suffered from pollution and poor water quality, but local organisations like Baycare Gymea Bay are taking action to restore them, and it’s time for government to provide the support they deserve.