CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms STANLEY (Werriwa—Government Whip) (10:19): Recently I hosted Jacob and Bumni, two year 10 students of St Francis Catholic College in Edmondson Park— The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Sharkie ): A quorum has been called in the House. The member for Werriwa is able to continue, provided we have quorum here. No?
The Federation Chamber stands suspended. Sitting suspended from 10:20 to 10:25 (Quorum formed) Ms STANLEY: Recently I hosted Jacob and Bumni, two year 10 students in St Francis Catholic College in Edmondson Park, for work experience in the Werriwa electorate office. They were both impressive and thoughtful young leaders.
Jacob prepared the following speech regarding the announcement of the first passenger flights from Western Sydney International Airport. Nancy Bird Walton was regarded as a remarkable aviator, pioneering the contributions of women, destined for the sky since her first flight in 1933. Trained by Charles Kingsford Smith, Nancy Bird Walton was the youngest licensed female pilot in our Commonwealth.
On Wednesday 10 June, I was given the pleasure of attending the official announcement declaring the beginning of operations for Western Sydney airport, named after Ms Walton. Just like Nancy Bird, the Western Sydney airport shatters records, as it is Australia's first new major airport in over 50 years and will be running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new airport supports my electorate by promising 28,000 job opportunities over the next five years.
That goes without mentioning the 200,000 new careers for the younger generations in the Western Sydney Parklands. The Albanese Labor government has not just produced an airport but delivered longstanding infrastructure upgrades that will benefit the greater Western Sydney region for generations to come. For me, it's been a privilege to watch the airport come out of the ground, from rolling cow paddocks to the impressive 21st century facilities which boast sandstone from Kariong and mirror the colours of Australia.
Jason also prepared a speech relating to the work of St Vincent de Paul. Sometimes all we need is a helping hand. At the heart of Australia lies our spirit of service.
Since 1854, the St Vincent de Paul Society has worked tirelessly in Australia and my electorate to provide relief to people in need, carrying the spirit of Australia. I've seen their service in Liverpool, providing people in immediate crisis with food, clothing and a friendly face. St Vinnies has earned the unwavering trust of our community.
I'm also glad to acknowledge Mr Matthew McMahon, the principal, and his staff and students of St Francis Catholic College in Edmondson Park, whose partnership with St Vincent's keeps our spirit of service as Australians alive and well. Both Vinnies and St Francis serve our community with an open mind and heart, continuing a longstanding legacy of service as one country.
Thank you so much to Jacob and Bumni for coming to my office. It was a pleasure to meet with you.