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Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly) [2.13 p.m.]: Tonight the community of Manly will come together to support the inaugural Community Fundraising Dinner. This event has been organised to support local causes, both community and sporting groups. The funds raised will go to the Many Community Centre's domestic violence program and to our surf clubs in the electorate, which provide an outstanding service to our community and those who visit our beaches.
When I became a member of Parliament I had a broad vision, that is, to help the community come together and focus on the issues that unite rather than those that divide us. I am delighted to say that the Manly community has embraced this event, which has sold out—more than 220 people will attend. That shows the spirit of the local community. A number of volunteers have given their time and expertise. There will be items to auction, dancing and singers. All these people will come together to show their support for their community and the good work of the causes.
In particular, I to refer to some of the volunteers: Kristie Morgan from my office, or Morgs as she has become affectionately known; Una Hanlong-Schafer from the Manly Community Centre; Grace Harris; Rowan Webb; Kate Owen, Mary Finkelsen, Lucinda Millsom and Shelley Oates-Wilding who will be the master of ceremonies.
An incredible woman, Jacqui Smith, leads the Manly Community Centre. She and a small team of welfare workers and trained volunteers, about 60 or 70 people, have served the community since 1975. Jackie is an icon in the community, having served for about 22 years. The centre has a small budget of only $72,000 a year, yet it provides welfare support for the homeless and mentally ill, and counselling for drug and alcohol dependence, relationship problems and bereavement. It provides support services for seniors, adult literacy education, taxation advice and housing assistance.
Since last year the community centre has also offered a free and confidential domestic violence service. The program, which is being run as a trial by Una Hanlong-Schafer, provides information, support and referrals to affected families. There may be a glib response from the broader community that these sorts of problems do not exist in Manly, but I can tell them that they do. Hundreds of people are impacted by domestic violence. This program is undoubtedly helping them to deal with tough situations. The statistics show that domestic violence on the peninsula is getting worse. In the past 18 months the Manly Community Centre has seen a steady increase in women seeking help for domestic violence. Jacqui Smith believes one of the main causes is the rising cost of living. The impact of the rising cost of living on domestic relationships is one of the untold stories in our State and country today.
One morning before Christmas Una received five calls for help in one hour. If the Manly Community Centre does not receive more funds this service cannot continue. We very much look forward to raising funds tonight to provide this essential service to our community.
The dinner will also raise funds to support the six surf clubs in the Manly electorate—Manly, North Steyne, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North Curl Curl and South Curl Curl. They are icons in the Manly community. Manly, North Steyne and Freshwater surf life saving clubs have been serving the community for a hundred years. Across the six clubs, thousands of members perform thousands of rescues every year. Last year members of Manly surf club alone performed more than 2,000 rescues, provided first aid and prevented deaths. Many members and people from their electorates would have visited Manly Beach.
Our surf clubs need support not only from the local community but also from the State Government. I will talk to the Minister for Sport and Recreation about assistance for these clubs in the years to come. As the Shadow Minister for Youth Affairs, I am pleased that these clubs play a significant role in our community by providing an avenue for our youth to participate in lifesaving competitions and training. The club members act as mentors to young people, providing advice about alcohol use and peer group pressure in an informal way and as part of the club spirit. They play an essential role in our community.
I thank the Manly community for supporting this inaugural event, which will become an annual event. I thank all the sponsors and donors who have supported this cause. Without them, it would not have been possible. I am proud to serve them as their local member. They are helping to make a difference by supporting the Manly Community Centre and our surf clubs.
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