CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms BELL (Moncrieff) (16:37): The Gold Coast is often recognised for our beautiful beaches and lifestyle, member for McPherson, but if you ask me what truly makes our community so special, it is of course our people. We never miss an opportunity to come together to celebrate and support one another. Recently I had the great privilege of attending the GOPIO Gold Coast community wellness event at the Broadwater Parklands in Southport, organised by founder Pushpinder Oberoi—thanks, Push—and the dedicated team at GOPIO Gold Coast.
The event brought together families, community leaders and local organisations to celebrate health, wellbeing and a connection as part of International Yoga Day. While my older body may still be recovering from the yoga mat, it was wonderful to see people of all ages and backgrounds participating in this special day of mindfulness activities and wellness programs, while sharing in the vibrant culture of our local Indian community.
Moncrieff is home to people from every corner of the world, and events like this remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. They provide an opportunity to learn from one another, build friendships across cultures, and celebrate the traditions that enrich our community. I thank Pushpinder and everyone involved for their tireless work in bringing this event together and for the contribution they continue to make to the Gold Coast.
Recently I also joined fellow Gold Coast community leaders at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Cbus Super Stadium, the home of the mighty Gold Coast Titans. While spending one night sleeping rough can never truly replicate the experience of homelessness, it served as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by far too many Australians every single day and in my community.
The evening brought together leaders from business, local government and the wider community with a shared goal: raising funds to support the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society and initiatives like the 500 Homes Project, helping Queenslanders move from homelessness into safe and secure housing, including the 60 apartments that we're building in conjunction with the Queensland government at Nerang.
Over 2½ thousand people experience homelessness on the Gold Coast on any given night, and the money raised from this event will go directly to supporting those locals getting back on their feet. I want to thank everyone who donated so generously to the CEO Sleepout. I want to thank Colin Wheeler, who stepped down this year, for his service, as well as Karen Phillips OAM and the team of ambassadors for all of your efforts for homelessness on the Gold Coast.
It's initiatives like these that go to the heart of who we are as Gold Coasters: a community that supports one another, celebrates one another and never hesitates to lend a helping hand when needed. It's a privilege to represent the good people of Moncrieff, and I thank every volunteer, organiser and participant whose efforts continue to make our community stronger and safer.