CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr CALDWELL (Fadden—Opposition Whip) (16:29): Today I rise to pay tribute to the local Paradise Point and Districts Meals on Wheels. I recently attended their AGM, and it was terrific to see the new air conditioning we recently had installed, funded through a stronger communities grant earlier this year, up and running. With the warm weather in Queensland, it was much appreciated.

A big shout-out to Cheryl, Paul and Di on the committee and Mychelle, who is the administrator, for their work and volunteering time. This is a critical connection for the older residents in our community to have a chat as well as a meal. Special tribute must be paid to Jim Hall, who wasn't present at the AGM.

I have been advised that Jim passed away just this week at the age of 90. Jim gave 25 years of service to the Paradise Point Meals on Wheels. Vale, Jim Hall.

I recently attended the Paradise Point parkrun 10th birthday celebrations. It was a great weekend, with a green and gold theme, and, of course, I went along and had a run—somewhat slower than I used to when I was attending a bit more frequently. This event is something very close to my heart because, back when I was on council, 10 years ago, I established this event.

Now it's an outstanding success, with more than 350 runners attending each Saturday morning for a run or a walk along our beautiful Broadwater. A special shout-out to Councillor Shelley Curtis, who continues to support our local community. It was also great to see parkrun ambassador Sally Cameron there as well that morning, marking what is a very important milestone for our local community.

I want to give a special shout-out to June Cantrell and her friends at the Pacific Pines Seniors Group. I went out and visited them a couple of weeks ago, and we had some frank discussions about housing for older Australians. Many of these residents want to downsize, but they face red tape and a lack of incentives to help them get into better housing.

The issue that they raised of downsizing and rightsizing for older Australians is certainly one that should be heard loud and clear here in Canberra. To June and those seniors: thank you for sharing your stories with me. I rise to commend Arundel State School after attending their recent mental health day, which is called Mental Wealth Day.

My thanks to Principal Landon Dare and P&C president Sarah Hannan for their leadership, and to Leah Heap and the mental wealth committee. They delivered a fantastic day of events. It was backed by the local Coombabah State High School, as well as the ambulance service, surf lifesaving, QPS, the Men's Shed, local footy teams and more.

It really is a great way for the kids to check in, ask for help and make sure they've got each other's backs.