Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—I would like to congratulate Blake Monley and Jake Christie, local recipients of the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship, on this well-deserved recognition of their dedication, resilience and commitment to their trades. Blake, who is undertaking his apprenticeship through TAFE Newcastle, has demonstrated strong determination in balancing training and work commitments. After relocating closer to work to reduce a long daily commute, Blake faced significant financial pressure while living away from home on a first-year apprentice wage. This scholarship will provide vital support to help cover essential costs and allow Blake to remain focused on completing his apprenticeship. Jake, an electrical apprentice with Novocastrian Electrical Contractors, has also shown remarkable perseverance. As a mature-age apprentice and sole income earner supporting his young family, Jake has managed the demands of training alongside significant household responsibilities. The scholarship will help ease financial strain associated with tools, travel and living costs, enabling him to continue building his career in the electrical trade. The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship supports apprentices facing financial and personal barriers to training. Blake and Jake's achievements reflect the strength of vocational education in our region, and I congratulate them on this important milestone in their careers.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!