CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr LEESER (Berowra) (17:07): I want to recognise two amazing local Berowra heroes in what, for parliamentary purposes, we might call the S-box rally. It involves driving a car worth less than $1,500, covering 4,000 kilometres. Murray Oakley and Phil Fairhall are volunteers with the Hornsby SES and are taking on this challenge to raise funds for cancer research and support services for Australians affected by cancer.
Recently, while doorknocking in Berowra, I had the opportunity to meet Murray and Phil and hear about their mission. Competing under the name Floodwits, a nod to their flood rescue work with the SES, they will drive a 2008 Volvo XC70 from Port Douglas to Melbourne in seven days from 11 July. Murray has lived in our electorate for more than 30 years, and he's raised his children in Berowra, while Phil moved up from Canberra five years ago.
Murray's been involved with the Hornsby SES for 23 years. He's currently the operations field officer, but he's had many roles over the years, including rescue officer, deputy unit commander, and team leader. Phil's been involved with the Hornsby SES for about five years.
They've worked together on many flood rescues. Anyone who's owned an older Volvo may tell you they're built to last, but getting one that's worth less than $1,500 to complete that journey is a leap of faith that would test even the most optimistic mechanic. They were very grateful that Repco Hornsby sold them their S-box for a dollar after hearing it was to be used for a charity rally.
They have put the finishing touches together, including a mandatory UHF radio, which they'll use to communicate with their team along the journey. Importantly, Murray and Phil are aiming to raise more than $10,000 for the Cancer Council and have already raised more than $6½ thousand dollars towards that goal. Like so many Australians, they've seen firsthand the impact that cancer can have on families.
They've lost loved ones, supported friends through treatment and know that almost every Australian family has a cancer story. As SES volunteers, they've spent years helping communities during floods and emergencies across New South Wales, including deployments to the Hawkesbury, Forbes and Coonabarabran. The rally is simply another example of that same spirit of service.
I also want to acknowledge the local businesses and community members who are supporting their efforts, including Repco Hornsby, Claire Burrows, Daniel Brown, Thea Bloomfield, Clementine Leedham, Ian Friery, Nicole Mulgrove and Jacaline Reilly. Their support highlights the strong community spirit behind this important cause. Along the route, Murray and Phil will visit regional communities, helping to raise awareness and supporting the small towns that welcome participants on their journey.
Murray and Phil represent the very best of the Berowra community. Whether helping people through floods or raising funds to fight cancer, they continue to put others first. I want to wish them and their families every success on their journey and thank them and everyone who's supporting them by making a difference to all Australians who are affected by cancer.