Address to the Federation Chamber, Adjournment 

Thursday 12 February 2026

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the Weston Creek Men's Shed down in Rivett to recognise the incredible volunteer work of Bill Wallace. Bill's work as a volunteer began with the Scouts and led to him being heavily involved in the development of Camp Cottermouth. From there he has assisted in numerous volunteer roles, including assisting the police force with bush survival training and volunteering with the Mountain Trails Adventure School at Wee Jasper. Bill is the Weston Creek Men's Shed's current workshop manager. He spends many hours a week tutoring and nurturing others in the woodworking trade and ensuring that the workshop is a safe, comfortable workplace for anyone that wants to join. The President of the Weston Creek Men's Shed, Brian Black, described him as 'your quintessential "doer". Practical, skilled and ever ready to help without question. He thoroughly deserves to be honoured by his community.' And I couldn't agree more. Bill's story is just one example of the incredible volunteer work completed by people across the Bean community every week.

One of my highlights each year is the Bean volunteer recognition evening, where volunteer organisations right across the community come together to celebrate the work of those that so often go unrecognised and unrewarded. I look forward to continuing to recognise these individuals throughout this term of parliament and celebrating the Bean volunteer recognition evening again in the Main Committee Room of this parliament building as well.