Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—A wonderful partnership between Lake Macquarie Landcare and local disability support provider Clear Sky Australia is making a meaningful difference in our community. Together, they're delivering hands-on horticulture experiences at Booragul's Umali Barai-ku Centre, where participants engage in gardening and land maintenance activities. From planting and weeding to potting seedlings and tending to fruit and vegetable trees, volunteers are gaining valuable experience while contributing to the care of our natural environment. The program is not only supporting the work of running a local nursery and regenerating natural areas—it's also building essential skills. Participants are developing practical abilities like tool use and plant care, alongside important life and employment skills such as teamwork, communication and reliability. Just as importantly, the program is helping to build social connections and self-esteem. It is creating a space where people feel supported, included and proud of the work they're doing. Thank you to Lake Macquarie Landcare and Clear Sky Australia for creating an inclusive and empowering opportunity for people to grow—both personally and as a part of our community.
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!