CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Dr REID (Robertson) (17:21): Today I rise to acknowledge Mr Jesse Hewling and Ms Sarah Emmerson, the winners of the 2026 Robertson Photography Competition. The people of Robertson are exceptionally talented, and this competition continues to showcase that talent in a truly inspiring way. Over the past few years, the competition has grown into a wonderful celebration of our local community and the natural beauty of the Robertson electorate.

This year, we received many outstanding photographs that captured the character, diversity and spirit of our region. Mr Hewling and Ms Emmerson's winning photographs stood out for their creativity and their ability to capture the essence of the electorate. Through their work, they have shown the beauty of our region and the talent of those who see and share it in creative ways.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting both winners to present their awards, and I was struck by their passion for our community. I congratulate Jesse and Sarah once again on this well-deserved recognition. I thank every entrant who contributed to the 2026 Robertson Photography Competition, and I look forward to seeing what next year's competition will bring.

Today I also rise to acknowledge Mr Kevin O'Donnell, a local man from Green Point in my electorate of Robertson. Kevin began helping Vinnies at age 10 and he has never stopped since. Today he sits on the management committee of Saint Joseph's Workshop, where volunteers build and mend wooden furniture and learning toys for families in need.

Kevin also raises money for CareFlight, which this year marks its 40th anniversary. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 17:22 to 17:49 Dr REID: Kevin also raises money for CareFlight, which this year marks its 40th anniversary. Last year, he raised $4,300.

Thanks to people like Kevin, CareFlight can bring emergency care, swift transport and search and rescue to help Australians when they need it most. His giving goes further still. Kevin is a lifelong blood donor, and he's also a longstanding member of St Patrick's parish in East Gosford and has served as a justice of the peace for 35 years, witnessing statutory declarations and certifying documents, which is vital work for the community—and all free of charge.

Our communities would be the poorer without volunteers like Kevin. There are people like Kevin in every corner of Robertson—people who give their time without asking anything back and who never expect to be noticed for it. I thank him for his many years of service, and I thank every volunteer across the Central Coast and, indeed, across Australia who follows his example.