Address to the House of Representatives, Adjournment

Thursday 30 October 2025

I am of the firm view that I represent the best electorate in Australia, and I am pleased to rise today speak to some of the reasons why.

In the middle of fete season, one of the most exciting events on the Bean calendar is upon us again. SouthFest 2025 will be happening on Saturday 15 November in Greenway in the heart of Bean. SouthFest is a festival celebrating everything Tuggeranong. It's a celebration of the colourful and important parts of our local community. There are stalls of different varieties and offerings, delicious food and always some very engaging and entertaining musical and artistic offerings. But, most importantly, there are always exciting and fun activities on offer for the youngest members of the community. I have had a stall at SouthFest from its inception a few years ago, and for me there are few better and more effective ways to catch up with my community in a relaxed and engaging environment than through the SouthFest event. I extend my congratulations to the Tuggeranong Community Council and the SouthFest organising committee for all their efforts over the past few years and in anticipation of another successful huge day on 15 November.

Another exciting event on the Bean calendar will be happening this weekend, on Saturday 1 November. The annual Tuggeranong Arts Centre Battle of the Bands is on again, and I am very much looking forward to it. I've had the great privilege of supporting this amazing event over some time. Bands composed of young people aged 13 to 25 with a connection to Tuggeranong have been selected to attend and perform on Saturday afternoon. The application process is rigorous and requires highly developed organisational skills. Bands have to produce a one-minute video of their performances and prepare a short statement on their style and performance. They then have to essentially audition. I've always been impressed by the quality and cohesion of both the bands and the performances. One of the most fun parts of my job has been serving as a judge for the Battle of the Bands. It's a great opportunity to get out my favourite band shirt and embarrass my children. I would encourage everyone who has some time available to head down to Tuggeranong to listen to some of the great young bands emerging in our district and have some fun. There is certainly a fair amount of fun and interest coming over the next few weekends in Bean, so, for members who decide to stay in Canberra over the weekend, it will truly be the place to be.

I would like to turn now to acknowledging some hardworking people performing a critical function in Bean. Last month, on 25 September, we marked World Pharmacists Day. We all understand the important role our pharmacists play in our community. When I think of health care, I always think of pharmacists first. I know firsthand the good work they do every day, playing a critical frontline role in the provision of health care, and I well remember that, amidst the fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmacists in Bean performed with uncommon courage and bravery, providing health care and certainty right across our community.

One pharmacist who I have had the privilege of working with closely is Elise Apolloni. Elise is not just a healthcare leader but a community leader, leading the team at Capital Chemist Wanniassa and committed to delivering innovative, patient focused health care right across the Tuggeranong Valley and a voice for community pharmacy right across Bean. I want to thank Elise and her team for all their fantastic work in our community, and I want to thank all of our hardworking pharmacists in Bean and across Australia. The work you do improves health outcomes and saves lives.

So Bean is a wonderful community, clearly the best electorate in our country, and it's an absolute privilege to represent it and its citizens in this place.