CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr KENNEDY (Cook) (16:49): I'd like to acknowledge the Cronulla RSL club and the Cronulla RSL sub-branch for organising War Animal Day. It's a commemorative service that honours the animals that have served alongside Australians in conflicts. I want to particularly thank Bradley Bishop, the acting CEO of Cronulla RSL; John Brown, the president of Cronulla RSL; and Cory Rinaldi, the president of Cronulla RSL sub-branch for their commitment to ensuring this important act of remembrance continues.
The story of service is not only a human one. Throughout history, animals have supported our defence forces in very extraordinary ways. They also provide companionship and comfort to some of the most difficult conditions imaginable, and after the fact.
Recently I met with Manic, a Belgian Malinois who served in the commando regiment in the Special Operations Command. Manic had returned to Australia after serving in Afghanistan with a commando and had been discharged. The commando was looking after this animal, and it was more than an animal to him.
It was a partner. It had been in Afghanistan saving people's lives. I was very disappointed to learn that Manic's veterinary bills are not covered, nor are those of any service animal that is discharged.
Yes, we look after the veterans, but we do not look after their animals. There are only a few animals that are discharged, and the cost is left to our veterans to keep them serviced and in good health. I'll be writing to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to fix this injustice, not only for the animals but for the commandos who served alongside them.
I'd also like to recognise an outstanding member of the Cook community, Vishnesh Naikar, from the Woolworths Caringbah Customer Fulfilment Centre. Vish recently received the Woolworths Customer Fulfilment Centre Site Leader of the Year 2025 award. That was across all of New South Wales.
It's a significant achievement that recognises the exceptional leadership of Vish and also how well the Caringbah Woolworths has done. Congratulations, Caringbah Woolworths. To Vish and the entire team at Caringbah: your work matters, your leadership matters and your contribution to our community matters.
Finally, I want to acknowledge a wonderful group from Cronulla, the Oak Park Jellybeans. This group of women meet at sunrise for swims at Oak Park rock pool, showing the best of our local way of life: friendship, resilience, good humour and community spirit. Their story recently reached a much wider audience through social media, after Mia Ross began sharing videos of the group's winter swimming adventures with her grandmother Robyn Winton.
What started as a local ritual has become something that many people are connected with. It's a reminder that community is often built by simple, joyful moments. Congratulations to these women.