CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (09:48): Earlier this year, here in parliament, I joined the calls for more support to be delivered for neighbourhood centres. In regional Australia in electorates like Hinkler, neighbourhood centres are an essential service, the heart of our communities. They foster safety, connection and social capital.
They're the place where community connections happen. The Burrum Heads Neighbourhood Centre, servicing a small but rapidly growing coastal community has outgrown its home. Powered largely by volunteers, the team delivers outreach, counselling, training, sewing classes, a library, community transport an op shop, community markets and so much more.
I thank the Burrum Heads Neighbourhood Centre's Julie, Kathy and Lynne for updating me on their situation and for sharing the story of the centre's growth over the past 15 years. Centres like this are especially called upon to stand up and support communities during times of crisis, so now more than ever we need to provide them with adequate support. This is underlined as we endure the cost-of-living crisis, the fuel chaos and in recent times natural disasters.
Parliament must recognise the vital role of neighbourhood and community centres in providing essential social services to individuals and communities in need. Often the staff are not paid at the levels they deserve due to limited funding received. We must recognise that neighbourhood and community centres provide critical relief and emergency support and let us acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers.
It was great to be part of the Fraser Coast Industry and Careers Showcase a few weeks ago. It was a record breaker. There were almost 100 exhibitors, and 1,140 students and more than 300 members of the general public came through looking at career opportunities within the local region.
Seeing a year-on-year increase both in exhibitor and in attendee numbers, the 2026 Fraser Coast Industry and Careers Showcase attracted the highest number of exhibitors in the event's history, connecting today's students and jobseekers—the workforce of tomorrow—with employers, industry, education providers and trainers who support our region's future. As an exhibitor, my team and I were pleased to chat with budding leaders and bright young minds who will one day possibly enter into the political arena.
To all who partnered, supported and attended the 2026 showcase: thank you. Congrats to the entire team at Jobs Fraser Coast, who continue to support the growth and development of a strong, capable and skilled workforce across industry sectors in Hinkler. Before I finish, I'd like to encourage local seniors, their families and carers to attend the 2026 Bundaberg Seniors Expo this Friday at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.
It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with key services for seniors, meet local community groups and chat with the many stallholders who are there to provide information, support and advice. I encourage everyone to come along and make the most of this great community event.