Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly) [1.59 p.m.]: I join with the Parliamentary Secretary and member for Bankstown in his plea for people in our community and in communities overseas who live in poverty to be looked after. It is a new day, and shortly a new Premier will enter the Chamber. I urge her to take that opportunity to put her stamp on a State that desperately needs direction, particularly in relation to the issue I raise on behalf of the youth of the State, who feel materially let down over cancellation of the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge. For some reason the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge has been let go, with the result that hundreds of young people across the State have been left in a state of despair. They desperately need leadership from someone in the State Government who cares. Today I call on the Premier to respond to that need.

For three decades students throughout this country, indeed throughout the world, have taken part in the annual musical and dance event, the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge—or, as it is affectionately known, the Rocka. Every member of the House would be aware of students in their electorates who take part in the event and the memories that those young people carry with them after the event. Last year 1 million young people globally shared the joy, challenge and excitement of the event and benefited from the many friendships it created. But for some reason, the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge has been taken from young people throughout Australia due to a lack of sponsorship and government funds.

I understand the New South Wales Government's budget is under pressure—that is all too obvious—but the Government offered only $150,000 out of its $53 billion State budget for the event. The issue is about leadership. This is an opportunity for the Premier to say that this event is too important to lose. Why would the Government not consider underwriting the event and look for opportunities to work with other governments and corporate sponsors to finance it, even if the New South Wales Government's contribution remains at just $150,000? The Queensland Government increased its contribution, but that was not enough.

A quick search online reveals article after article showing photographs of disappointed young people. This presents an opportunity for a new Premier entering the Chamber today, who supposedly wishes to commence afresh, to take a look at some of those young faces and note the disappointment that the loss of the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge has caused. Indeed, a year 5 student from the Far North Coast of New South Wales has said simply, "I will miss how fun it was." Those fun memories stay with students for life. The issue is not about just a single event: it is about the friendships that are formed, the skills and discipline that are acquired, the joy of success as well as the agony of defeat and getting through that. It is a lifetime experience that no longer will be available to our students. I received a quite compelling email from a former high school captain of the Manly Selective High School in my electorate, Jessie Grosser—someone whom I believe may well become a member of the House or of the Federal Parliament in the years ahead—which states:

To say that I was shocked, disappointed and upset would be an understatement... Taking part in this amazing initiative was definitely one of the major highlights of my entire school life and I remember it so very fondly... The Rock Eisteddfod is one of the very few education initiatives that has the ability to bring together not only the pupils within a school but also whole schools across the State and then within the entire nation... Never in my life have I seen so many smiles and laughs that are shared between young people from so many different areas of life.

Last Saturday I joined students from the northern beaches, across the city and throughout the State in Martin Place. I enjoyed meeting students from Penrith and those who travelled all the way from the Blue Mountains to meet at 7.00 a.m. The contagious joy of chant after chant conveyed by a young man named Mitch sounded out to a small group who dared to listen, even at that time of the morning, that young people want to see the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge return. I was pleased to join them, and I support them in their call. I hope that their efforts are not in vain. Another student who wrote to me, Chloe Woodward, said she was brought to tears at news of the cancellation of the event. I commend her for becoming involved: indeed, her email compelled me to join students at the rally. She stated:

Rocka teaches kids teamwork and co-operation skills that will benefit them for a lifetime, as well as boosting their self esteem, confidence and performance ability. The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge's core values of a drug and alcohol free healthy lifestyle are immensely worthy and deserve the support and encouragement.

Rock Eisteddfod is the perfect vehicle for developing well-rounded, healthy young adults and for strengthening communities and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The loss of such a fantastic program will have a profound effect on such a huge amount of people.

New South Wales was where Rocka began, its historical and spiritual home...

I thank Chloe and Jessie for their words, and members can take those sentiments with them. Together with every student across the State, I call on the Premier to respond by restoring the Rocka, and to show that the youth of the State matter.