ADJOURNMENT: GCBF ROUND 118

I rise to speak about the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and what it means to the people in my community.

Nambour Little Athletics received funding to upgrade their long jump facilities, located at the Sunshine Coast PCYC and long needed. The Nambour Blue Demons Hockey Club received funding to upgrade their clubhouse as their new season starts for the year. I wish them all the best.

I also encourage local parents to apply for FairPlay vouchers, another cost-of-living measure provided by the Miles government, providing $150 off the cost of signing up their kids to sports clubs, Scouts and Guides, and Riding for the Disabled. Check eligibility as applications close on 1 May and vouchers must be used by 29 May.

The Range Community Kindergarten received funding to replace their playground. That is very important considering they have expanded their cohort recently to take on as many students as possible. I thank them and other community groups such as MADCA for also providing funding. This is important thanks to the introduction of free kindy, enabling parents to save up to $4,600 per year by providing 15 hours per week for 40 weeks per year, a $2 billion investment over four years.

Mapleton Community Library received funding to replace their ageing louvres. The new design will allow for much more light and natural ventilation for the dedicated volunteers to service the local community. Kenilworth Bowling Club received funding to install a rooftop solar system to reduce their overhead costs while increasing their commitment to sustainability. Nambour Heights Bowls Club also received funding for a new rooftop solar system and retractable shade cover, allowing them to take advantage of the sun's rays without having to expose themselves unnecessarily to the risk of skin cancer.

The Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled is a very important local charity assisting those with different lived experience to access equine therapy. Cooroy QCWA received funding to purchase new chairs to furnish their hall. It is a very important local organisation which advocates and assists the community wherever it can. I was delighted to attend their recent centenary celebrations in 2022. I hope additional furniture will help the group thrive for another 100 years.

Finally, I attended the Sunshine Coast Bunyas Rugby League carnival hosted at the Nambour Crushers' ground. I was very proud to be a sponsor of this event. It was an amazing three days of culture, community and Rugby League. Congratulations to Brad Beetson and the organising team for putting on such a successful event. I say well done to all teams who competed and of course Lyndon Davis and the Gubbi Gubbi Dance mob for their welcome to country. Thank you to Crushers for being such great hosts and everyone who attended to make the carnival the success it was.