STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS › Robertson Electorate: Bendigo Bank Public Speaking Competition
Ms O'NEILL (Robertson) (13:53): I would like to put on the record today the successful visit of Paul Russell and Jake Fonti, who were winners of the Bendigo Bank public speaking competition on the Central Coast recently. One of the things that they did was pen short statements for this time in parliament, so I would like to put Jake Fonti's statement on the record. It reads: You're standing on your balcony and next thing you smell is black smoke. You look up and you see a fire raging closer and closer. Next thing you know, a fire fighter jumps to the rescue. Lately on the central coast we have had some large bush fires .These fires were located at Pretty Beach and Wyee. These fires could have damaged local homes and bushland if it weren't for our local fire fighters. The fire fighters do a tremendous job at securing and then extinguishing these fires. The Central Coast will definitely be preparing for extreme heats in our upcoming summer. There is nothing better than being reassured that our bushland and our residential areas are well protected by our aussie fire fighters, not to mention our extremely well patrolled beaches— protected by— our local surf lifesaving clubs. Isn't it great that the coast has so many willing and able young and old volunteers whether it be patrolling local beaches, helping in natural disasters, putting out local fires and risking their lives the whole way, all for the payment of that feel good factor in knowing that you may have saved someone's life and for that we say thank you. I want to also note the tragic loss of a heritage house in Pretty Beach last evening. I know that Michelle Buddulph and those who live in the Kilcare, Wagstaffe, Hardy's Bay and Pretty Beach area would be— (Time expired)