CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr REBELLO (McPherson) (10:24): I rise today to recognise some of the people and organisations I've had the privilege of spending time with across the McPherson electorate in recent weeks. In Tallebudgera Valley, I joined Valley Riding Develops Abilities to celebrate their 30th anniversary. I particularly acknowledge Beverley Humphries, who helped establish Valley RDA and has given three decades of service since.
I also thank president Cliff Hitch, the executive committee and the volunteers, coaches, families and supporters who've helped make the organisation what it is today. For 30 years, Valley RDA has helped riders build confidence, independence and connection, and it was wonderful to celebrate that milestone with them. I also joined the Flag Football Academy for the first ever Gold Coast Bowl at Greenheart Robina Parklands.
It was fantastic to see players, coaches and families come together for a great weekend of competition and to see the growth of flag football there on the Gold Coast. I thank Carlos Hernandez and the team behind the tournament for creating opportunities for young people to get involved in a growing sport. Congratulations to all players, and I give a special shout out to Hillcrest Christian College for putting forward four exceptional teams.
At Bond University, I had the opportunity to speak with students in the Faculty of Law's Australian Government and Politics class about parliament, policymaking and public life. I thank subject coordinator, Melissa Hofmann, for the invitation and for giving students the opportunity to hear directly about the workings of our democracy. Further south in McPherson, I visited Currumbin Rhythm Music School, where Kel and Don have built a thriving local music community that has grown to more than 150 students.
They built the school with hard work and determination from the ground up, and the next generation of musicians are now the beneficiaries. It was terrific to see the energy in the school and the opportunities they're creating for young people to develop their confidence, their creativity and their love of music. I look forward to watching the school continue to grow.
Everyone on the Gold Coast knows Baby Give Back. I met with Tiffany and the team in their Varsity Lakes warehouse to learn more about the practical support they provide to families across our community. Their work is a reminder that some of the most important support in our community comes from organisations and volunteers who quietly step in when families need a helping hand.
The scale of the Baby Give Back operation is impressive, and I'm glad to now offer my Varsity Lakes office as a collection point for items to be donated to them. Leanne Cohens and the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce committee arranged yet another exciting event, this time at Hard Fizz in Burleigh Waters. Events like these bring local businesspeople together, create new connections and give me the chance to hear directly about the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the southern Gold Coast.
What a great night! It's been a fantastic non-sitting period in the southern Gold Coast community, and I'm looking forward to continuing to represent them here in Canberra.