CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr SOON (Banks) (16:47): A number of locals in the seat of Banks were recognised as part of the King's Birthday Honours, and I want to acknowledge them here. Mark Connell of Oatley was awarded an OAM for services to youth through scouting, and, as an integral part of the 1st Oatley Bay Sea Scouts, he has contributed to the outdoor skills and confidence of countless young people in our community.
Major Craig Fairweather was awarded an OAM in the Military Division for his outstanding contributions to military engineering for the Australian Army. Kathy Powzun of Mortdale was awarded a Public Service Medal for services to education. Justice Murray Aldridge was awarded an OAM not just for his contribution to our legal system as a barrister and a King's Counsel but also for services to conservation and orchid growing.
Lastly, the former premier of New South Wales, Morris Iemma, was made an AO in recognition of his career in public service as well as his contributions to community sport and the not-for-profit sector more broadly. Congratulations to all the wonderful recipients. Perhaps more importantly though, thank you for your service to our communities and our country.
On 19 June, we marked the Dragon Boat Festival, an important occasion in the calendar for many Chinese Australians, including my own family. It was my pleasure to bring together local community leaders from across the electorate of Banks for an afternoon tea at the iconic Canton Noodle House in Riverwood alongside Georges River councillor Elaina Anzellotti and the member for East Hills, Kylie Wilkinson.
It was great to see the representatives of so many organisations who contribute to the welfare of our community in many different ways. Thank you also to the Canton Noodle House for their incredible hospitality and, of course, their wonderful food. Finally, on 5 June, we turned the first sod on a new development in Padstow, funded by the Housing Australia Future Fund.
The block has been vacant for some time, but it will soon be 113 homes, with parking, for local families, bringing the total number of social and affordable homes delivered in my electorate of Banks by this government to 214. This project is the latest demonstration of this government's commitment to deliver more homes for Australians through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
We're working in partnership with the state government to ensure our community, our people, have places to live in an affordable and wonderful place like the electorate of Banks.