Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—Congratulations to Whitebridge High School Year 11 student Josie Emslie on being shortlisted in the prestigious 2026 Gough Whitlam Institute's What Matters? National Writing Competition. The annual competition encourages students from across Australia to reflect on the issues that matter most to them, celebrating the creativity, insight and unique perspectives of young people through thoughtful and compelling writing. Josie's piece, Blooming in a Battlefield, was shortlisted from more than 6,700 entries submitted by students nationwide. Her moving work explores the resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating how hope, love and the beauty of everyday life can flourish even in the midst of war, grief and hardship. It is a powerful reflection on compassion and perseverance, showcasing both remarkable maturity and exceptional writing ability. Being recognised in such a highly competitive national competition is an outstanding achievement and a credit to Josie's creativity, dedication and talent as a young writer. Her success also reflects the encouragement and support provided by her family, teachers and the Whitebridge High School community. Congratulations once again to Josie on this well-deserved recognition, and every success is wished for the remainder of the competition and her future writing endeavours.

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!