CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr REBELLO (McPherson) (10:00): Each day I grow more appreciative of the strength and spirit of our southern Gold Coast community. In recent weeks I've met hundreds of locals, dozens of small businesses and many dedicated community groups. We've celebrated milestones and come together for special occasions, and I've been proud to lend an ear or a hand when needed.
I recently joined Burleigh in Pink, where our community united to raise awareness and vital funds for breast cancer research. The participation and generosity shown by so many locals was moving. We all know someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer.
Behind every person in attendance that day was a story of love, loss and hope for a future free from this horrible disease. At Bond University's O-week I met the newest cohort of students—young people full of ideas, ambition and optimism. From the sporting clubs to the law society and even the anaesthetics association, I was blown away by the breadth of student engagement and was left confident that McPherson's next generation is in good hands.
The Coolangatta Bowls Club celebrated the opening of a new shade structure, the perfect place to relax after a summer game. It was fantastic to join club members and the broader community for the opening. It will add great value to the Coolangatta community.
I was also glad to join the Palm Beach Currumbin Cricket Club for their 2025-26 season launch. I'm always impressed to see the strong support behind the players and the volunteers who make our local sport thrive. I look forward to seeing the teams' success throughout the season ahead.
In Robina I visited the Barber Academy and the Hair Academy Australia, where founders Dee Thomas and Gareth Philpott are revolutionising vocational training. Under the supervision of their award-winning team, students gain real-world experience, confidence and qualifications that lead to employment, and many even go on to start their own business. Their success highlights the importance of supporting innovative, private education models alongside traditional TAFE pathways.
As we head into Queensland's subtropical wet season, this week's Get Ready Queensland Week is an important reminder that preparation makes a world of difference in emergencies. My thanks to the Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre for hosting their recent Prep Your Kit day, helping locals plan ahead. Finally, with our growing population, transport infrastructure remains a key focus.
I recently met with Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads to push two major priorities: fixing the Robina exit 82 bottleneck and delivering a heavy-rail extension from Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport—essential connections for our southern Gold Coast community. These are important projects, and I will continue to advocate across all levels of government to see their advancement.
Our region continues to grow, but it's the heart connection and collaboration of our community that make McPherson what it is.