ADJOURNMENT

Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (19:49): The Fraser Coast, particularly Hervey Bay, is often labelled as a place only for retirees and tourists. While my community is immensely proud to be the perfect location when it comes to lifestyle and climate—and, yes, almost a third of those in my electorate are aged over 65—Hinkler can also boast a new wave of young professionals making a positive difference and having a crack.

The Fraser Coast Young Professionals group champions, connects and empowers the emerging leaders of our region. It recognises that the strength of our future economy and community lies in the capability and ambition of our young people. It's as tough as it's ever been to attract and retain skilled and motivated individuals, and it's organisations like Fraser Coast Young Professionals that play a critical role in creating pathways for them to grow, lead and contribute locally.

At a recent industry breakfast in Hervey Bay, I was pleased to learn about a newly established mentorship program that was delivered in collaboration between the young professionals group and the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association. It brings together experienced professionals and aspiring leaders to share ideas, build confidence and support long-term career growth.

More recently, I attended Jobs Fraser Coast's industry and careers showcase. My stall was opposite the young professionals, who surveyed young expo attendees about what they wanted to see more of on the Fraser Coast. I commend the president, Councillor Sara Diana Faraj and the entire committee for their commitment to expand opportunities for young professionals, which will ultimately help deliver prosperity to our region.

I recently had the great fortune to see firsthand the work of various Hervey Bay based organisations who are helping the most vulnerable during the cost-of-living crisis. This includes organisations like Meals on Wheels Fraser Community. They serve over 16,000 meals every month, but each delivery is more than a meal.

The volunteers also offer welfare checks and community connection. Together with hardworking staff, they serve many clients across the Hervey Bay and Maryborough region. Meals on Wheels Fraser Community has been operating since 1968, where just 12 meals were delivered in their first week of operation.

I'll continue to advocate for Support at Home services like Meals on Wheels. We Care 2 in Hervey Bay is also making a real, positive difference in the lives of those who are under financial stress. This amazing charity was established in the early 2000s by a group of dedicated and passionate locals.

Today, it delivers a raft of relief in the form of food vouchers, hot showers, counselling services and so much more. I had the chance to visit the staff, members of the board and volunteers of We Care 2 to say thank you for all they do. Support services are facing record demand in communities like Hinkler, and we must not forget that decisions made here have very real consequences on the ground, particularly in regional Australia.

In many of our local communities around Australia, the annual Relay for Life event hits home. It takes a community to not only raise vital funds for the Cancer Council but celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer. None do it better than the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Relay for Life, and it was an honour to join their walk two weeks ago.

To all who walked, volunteered, raised money or cheered on from the sidelines: thank you. There were almost 600 people in the relay from 35 teams, and they didn't just reach the $90,000 fundraising goal; they smashed it. At last check, it was sitting at about $120,000.

I'd like to give a big shout-out to Sharon Jackson, who was the 2026 Face of Relay, and patron Ron Myler, as well as a very special mention to Harrison Titmarsh and the committee for organising an outstanding community event. Harry is another young go-getter who has been widely praised for his leadership and commitment, and rightly so. It was a privilege to reminisce and celebrate 20 years of the PCYC Bundaberg Blazers.

The Blazers are a youth group with a focus on families, outdoor fun and education. I'm proud to say, in a previous career as a police officer, I was the manager of the local PCYC when this group was established, so I was very proud to be part of their recent 20th anniversary event. All older youth members are part of the Bundaberg PCYC's Youth Development Team and work towards completing all levels of their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

These achievements were also recognised at the recent celebrations. I'd also like to honour Trevor and Kay Standfast, who received life membership from PCYC Queensland for their 20 years of volunteer service with the PCYC Blazers. Well done, Trevor and Kay.