The following statement was read into the Parliament by the Member for Dawesville, Zak Kirkup MLA today.

Thank you Mr Kirkup for taking the time to acknowledge the extraordinary work of so many extraordinary people who leave their homes and families to protect those of others.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Statement by Member for Dawesville

MR Z. KIRKUP (Dawesville) [12.59 pm]:

In the spirit of National Volunteer Week 2020. I would like to recognise all the volunteers from across Mandurah who do an outstanding job to make our community the very best it can be. I do not have enough time to thank them all but in the context of COVID-19 I would like to highlight in particular the contributions of the Falcon Lions Club, and in particular its president, Ian Derrick, who has been invaluable in helping with the COVID-19 outreach program.

I would also like to thank the more than 800 volunteers who have helped hundreds of seniors in not only my district but also Murray–Wellington and Mandurah who have come to our office offering their support. I would also like to thank Vicki and the team at the Peel Volunteer Resource Centre for their continued help to register and offer administrative support to reduce the risk for all volunteers involved. During COVID19, I have been grateful for the community support of Kaye Seeber and Mum’s Cottage, People Who Care in Mandurah, Befriend, Pat Thomas House, Peel Community Kitchen, Chorus, Halls Head Farmer Jacks and Pets of Older Persons.

All have been exceptionally helpful during this crisis. I would also like to thank the many health volunteers who work at Peel Health Campus and at the St John Ambulance Dawesville depot, a volunteer organisation that I am now proud to be part of and whose members have had to gear up and face COVID-19. There are a number of other organisations which I do not have time to recognise but who continue to serve and protect our community in times of crisis, particularly Mandurah Southern Districts Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, Falcon Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Port Bouvard Surf Life Saving Club.

I am so proud to represent and look out for Mandurah and I thank all those who continue to volunteer to make community the very best it can be.