CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr CALDWELL (Fadden—Opposition Whip) (10:42): Today I rise to record my absolute joy at having attended the Australia Day citizenship ceremony at Helensvale on Australia Day this year. It was conducted at the Helensvale Community Centre and was run again this year by the Lions Club of Helensvale. A special shout out to president Laura Boase and all of the Helensvale Lions Club members, who did a terrific job that day.
Special thanks to Paul Murphy, the citizenship coordinator and Steve Boase, the secretary. I also acknowledge the attendance of my fellow local representatives Mark Boothman, who's the local MP in the state parliament, and local councillors Councillor Mark Hammel, Councillor Donna Gates and Councillor Naomi Fowler. And, yes, afterwards, in typical Australian fashion, I enjoyed a scone with jam and cream.
What better way to celebrate another bunch of Aussies making this their formal home? I recognise three locals from the northern Gold Coast who were honoured for their service to the community on Australia Day this year. Firstly, Mr Brett 'Crusher' Murray OAM was recognised for service to the media and motorsport.
Brett's career spans four decades and in 2009 he founded Speedcafe, helping to reshape motorsport reporting in Australia. He's a local legend and this is thoroughly deserved. Mr Glenn Norris OAM of Coomera was recognised for service through emergency response organisations, including his long service with VMR Southport, which we locals know is such an important organisation.
Glenn, thank you for your service. Finally, Brigadier Bruce Andrew Scott OAM, retired, was recognised for service to rifle shooting and to the community. His record of service includes the Army, and he also represented Australia in rifle shooting—including at the Commonwealth Games, where he won gold.
He continues to serve our community through Shooting Australia. To Brett, Glenn and Bruce: congratulations and thank you for your service. I rise to pay tribute to the Southport Flying Club, which has become a critical part of our local aviation community and emergency response network on the northern Gold Coast, and to President Craig Hobart and his executive team—Adam Surplice, the secretary; Sean Llewelyn, the treasurer; and the rest of the committee.
They've been partnering with Angel Flight Australia to establish an official Gold Coast base, improving patient access to our local hospital, but they also provide much-needed local aviation infrastructure for emergency services responses, including for PolAir, the rescue chopper and LifeFlight. They've been giving back to our local veterans, with a special veterans day with free flights last year, which about 60 veterans attended.
And, notably, over Remembrance Day services last year at Runaway Bay, some of the locals flew their aeroplanes in formation, which was an amazing sight and a great tribute. (Time expired)