Simon Kennedy
Cook · Liberal Party · Australia
“Can you guess how long it took Cory to have his injuries accepted? Eight years—eight years of forms, reports, appointments, assessments, delays and uncertainty. Cory, as I mentioned, is president of the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch.”
“This Albanese government must accept its obligation in return, must explain why veterans are being pushed through repeated reassessments, must explain why veterans are paying out-of-pocket costs for 400 days while waiting for approval and must explain why doctors are being driven away from DVA work.”
“This has to change. I don't want to continue with political point scoring. I want this to flip. If the members across here today and the members watching in their offices right now can take this back to their party room: we want to stop. Let's make this right.”
“A veteran should not be forced through repeated assessments just to keep receiving care. A veteran should not be paying out of pocket while waiting for a government approval.”
“We've announced it and passed it in a budget, and now we're doing the consultation. How backwards is that? We're raising revenue and giving billions of dollars to hydrogen and billions of dollars to billionaires. We're giving $15 billion to the NRF.”
“Luckily, he had a home which he could borrow against, but for those 17 months he had to borrow against his home and he was under constant psychiatric treatment, with no promise that it would ever be reimbursed. This isn't how a grateful country should treat a veteran.”
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“The Prime Minister says no to new taxes before the election, but then the next day we hear Dr Chalmers say, 'We'll wait and see.' Who's telling the truth and who's lying? People in my electorate just want honesty. The coalition will fight this spare-bedroom tax and every tax they put on the family home. Because, under Labor, nothing is safe—not your savings, not your bills and not even the spare bedroom in your own house.”
“This week, Labor refused to rule out a tax on your spare bedroom. A tax on the room your kids grew up in, a tax on the roof over your head, or a tax on the home you worked your lifetime to build. A recent survey showed that over 60 per cent of houses are lived in by one or two people. Three-quarters of these properties have three or more bedrooms, with spare rooms. At the economic roundtable—surprise, surprise—it leaked out that Labor was discussing a tax on spare rooms. This is who Labor are. If you own it, they'll tax it. Families using a spare bedroom to run a side hustle—a small business—are now being hit with land tax in Victoria. That is in Labor's DNA, and they're going to bring it to Canberra too. Hairdressers, PTs, physios and startups—for the privilege of working in their own spare bedroom, Labor wants a piece of them.”
“In competition, Emily Rampoldi was named most outstanding competitor, with honours to Sari McKee, Kaitlyn Williams and Scarlett Hoerr. The Purds as Open Male Surf Boat Crew—sweep Adam Purdie, with Zach Hughes, James Budd, Corey Dietrick and Tyrell Duff—earned the Brian Trouville Award for team achievement. Special mention also goes to coach of the year Tom Rampoldi and official of the year Liam Munro. Congratulations to all recipients. Your service, teamwork and community pride are an inspiration to all our community.”
“The North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, in its 100th year, has shown the strength and spirit of my local community with its annual awards. The CN Norm Rees Award went to Donna Hargreaves, the Mario Peryman Memorial Trophy went to David Cannings, and the Patrons Award went to Wayne 'Tommy' Turner. The Junior Club Captain's Award was presented to Caden McDonald, and the Senior Club Captain's Award was presented to Alison Winkelmeier. In life-saving, the Brendan Lynch Award recognised James Doyle as the most outstanding senior patrol person, while Sonny and Boyd Bell received the David Cotter Award for Most Outstanding Junior Patrol Person. Longstanding service was honoured, with Harrison Maddern, Emily Maythers, Kane Hughes and Martin Fulton achieving 10 and 20 years of perfect patrol attendance.”
“The hardworking everyday Australians in the seat of Cook know that I will fight for them. I will fight for better policies so they can own their own home and not be Labor renters for life.”
“Stop giving subsidies to corporates and super funds. Start giving them to people. People want to own their own homes. If the plan is to pack in more high-rises than deliver the schools, and the roads and the transport links that communities desperately need, Labor's approach may deliver the profits to super funds, but it will never deliver the keys to a first home to the hardworking people in my electorate of Cook. The coalition will always back hardworking Australians to get ahead and buy a home. Under Labor, many of these people will end up being tenants for life. We choose aspiration over dependency, ownership over renting and families over funds. That is our vision for housing, and that is why we'll oppose this flawed approach, fight for the great Australian dream and fight for hardworking young people and hardworking families.”
“We support first home buyers, apprentices and young people to get a home and a foothold into Australia and a foothold into their future. We support a housing system that rewards work and sacrifice, not speculation and subsidies for super funds. The choice before us is clear. Under Labor's model, homes are treated as just another financial instrument for big investors and their super fund mates. Under the coalition's model, Australians themselves can buy and own and secure their future. We call on all levels of government—local, state and federal—to come together on housing supply and affordability. Communities like my community in Cook, Kirrawee, deserve transparency. Australians don't want to rent forever, which is exactly what Labor's scheme is proposing. We say make it 'build to own', not 'build to rent'.”
“They don't know where their customers will park. Local businesses such as Brick Pit Espresso, Smalls Cellar, Great White Tattoo, Kids Inspired, Peach's Pages Bookstore, Mix Pizza Bar, Mi Fizzio Physiotherapy and Kirrawee Barbers have all expressed concerns about where their customers will park and how people will get access to their businesses. The coalition's position is clear. We believe in homeownership. We believe in policies that put Australians in the front yard of a home they own, not in line for a corporate lease. We believe in housing that rewards aspiration and that says, if you work hard and save hard, you can own a little piece of Australia to make your stand and raise your family. That means we support policies that increase supply for buyers, not just renters.”
“You can't pile on these high-rises without fixing the roads and the transport links that people rely on. Take this 14-storey development in Kirrawee—Flora Street and Oak Road are already gridlocked. I've had almost 200 signatures from people in my electorate asking for these roads to be upgraded and for the traffic signals to be upgraded, but, instead, what the government is now proposing is to put up a 14-storey apartment block. This is what happens when you get a federal Labor government teaming up with a state Labor government and a local Labor council. You get people destroying communities without the investment in infrastructure. Councillor Meredith Laverty has done great work there, talking with local businesses in the Kirrawee area who are complaining. They don't know how they're going to manage congestion.”
“In nearby Kirrawee, in the Cook electorate, there's at least a 14-storey high-rise precinct being pushed, and there's no clarity about who these apartments are for or who will own them. Are they going to be owned by super funds? Are they going to be corporate rentals? What we do know is local residents are being left in the dark. We know we're not getting upgrades to infrastructure or to schools, and this government's reckless migration policy is just shoving the pressure onto state governments, which are then shoving the pressure onto local communities with no respite in sight. That's the other side of the problem. If governments want to put more money in our suburbs, they also need to put money into infrastructure. You can't add thousands of units without adding schools for the children who'll live there.”
“Young families can't keep up, and Labor's schemes won't help, because all they do is pit more buyers against each other for the same limited supply. Labor is turbocharging demand. On this so-called Home Guarantee Scheme, we've had independent warnings. A report from Lateral Economics has made it very clear: expanding this scheme risks driving prices up by 3½ per cent to 6.6 per cent—in some markets, almost 10 per cent. For first home buyers in Sydney and Cook, that may mean paying $100,000 to $200,000 more for a home. This is a government turbocharging demand, not just through this scheme but through migration. In the middle of a housing crisis, it should shock Australians to know that migration and our population are growing faster than any time in the last 75 years. What does this mean locally?”
“Labor wants to give homes to funds, leaving ordinary Australians to rent for life in the hope they'll vote for Labor. It's cynical, it's shortsighted, and it's selling out the Australian dream of homeownership. In my electorate of Cook, families tell me every single week they cannot break into the market. In Caringbah, Miranda and Sylvania, some of my more affordable suburbs, housing prices are still, on the median, up to $2 million. These are proud communities where people work hard, save hard and want the same chance their parents had. Yet first home buyers are being squeezed out by rising costs and a lack of supply. What's Labor's answer? It is not to help them buy, not to deliver ownership, but to hand taxpayer subsidies to institutional landlords to keep them renting.”
“That's not housing policy; it's asset allocation for superfunds, and it leaves ordinary Australians in my electorate, hardworking Australians, scrapping together to try and pay for a deposit, paying the price and funding superfunds and corporate investors to build assets that everyday Australians will never own. The Australian dream never was and never will be about being a permanent tenant. It never was about renting a unit or an apartment from some nameless multinational fund. It's about owning your own place, putting down roots, raising a family, building equity, building a future and building a stake in Australia. Under this government, more and more Australians will be tenants of superfunds, not homeowners in their own right.”
“The Member for Hasluck wants to talk about the opposition. It is not surprising, because their record on housing is so poor. This amendment is deeply flawed. Australia's housing crisis is a gaping wound for Australia, and the policy platform that Labor has cobbled together is barely a bandaid and not enough to stop the bleeding. Labor's so-called build-to-rent and community housing model is upside down. It subsidises corporate investors, their superfund mates and even offshore entities to own the homes of hardworking Australians. Not young Australians, not the young mums and dads in my electorate who are sweating hard for a first home deposit—Labor doesn't want these people to own a home.”
“At the Cronulla RSL we gathered not only to honour those men and women but also to reflect on the unique role that Cronulla RSL has played in supporting our diggers for more than a century. Established in 1925, Cronulla RSL has stood for 100 years as a place of remembrance, service and community. It has been a place where veterans and their families have found support, found community and found where their service is celebrated and recognised. On behalf of this parliament I thank Cronulla RSL for 100 years of dedication, and I thank every Vietnam vet for their service.”
“I stand with them. Our coastline is a central part of our area. It's a central part of the culture and our way of life. It's a central part of our economy. So we need to act now, before our coastline disappears. This is the heritage we owe to our future generations. On behalf of my community I urge parliament to get behind this initiative, C Care. I also want to pay tribute to those who attended and took part in the Vietnam Veterans' service day hosted at the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch on 18 August. Marking this remarkable milestone, it was also the 100th anniversary of the Cronulla RSL. Vietnam Veterans' Day recognises the service and sacrifice of nearly 60,000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War. More than 3,000 were wounded, and 523 never returned home.”
“But this isn't just about catching a wave; it's about protecting the Bate Bay, safeguarding our foreshore, preserving a way of life for the next generation, and keeping alive that strip of sand that brings money to our local economy. Freddie spoke about wanting his grandchildren to enjoy the beach he knew, and that's a sentiment every parent and grandparent in this community should understand. C Care isn't asking for lip service. What they want is science-backed solutions that sustainably bring back sand to the Bate Bay and Cronulla beach and keep it that way. They want all stakeholders—local, state and federal—to work together and to act. Their call is simple. Support their cause. Let's stop chasing bandaid solutions where we move sand from one end of the beach to the other, and let's make Bate Bay and Cronulla beach healthy for good.”
“(): Recently I met three locals who've had enough of watching our coastline waste away. Paul, Ben and Freddie call themselves C Care. They're not lobbyists. They're not activists for hire. They're not political. They're just three community members who've lived and worked by and surfed in Bate Bay for decades. They've seen the sand stripped away from Cronulla Beach and the rest of Bate Bay and dumped into the Port Hacking estuary, where channels are choking, the Deeban Spit is swelling and the once tidal waterways are now almost sealed shut. Paul's been surfing there for nearly 50 years, and now he says that most days he can't surf.”
“This government is the worst government in the last 20 years on emissions reduction. You know who achieved a greater emissions reduction than this government? Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. Emissions have gone down less under Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen. I think I've discovered finally why Chris Bowen goes so red in question time. He's embarrassed, and he should be because prices are up—”
“This is what he had to say recently: … Australia relies on taxing personal income and corporate profits more than any other advanced economy while under-utilising consumption taxes, including the 10 per cent GST. The same article reports that Professor Robert Breunig, a director of the ANU—that right-wing organisation—'said that the combination of a lack of fiscal restraint and an ever-increasing reliance on income tax was already a big problem and will get bigger in the future'. It certainly is, thanks to Dr Chalmers.”
“Economic experts warn that such marginal tax rates on relatively modest incomes discourage work, entrepreneurship and risk taking. Labor's so-called stage 3 tax cuts that we heard about just a moment ago—we pretend this is cost-of-living relief, but bracket creep is just ballooning and ballooning. Tax receipts will hit a record $349 billion, and almost 52 per cent of all tax revenue will come from individuals. What you do at work and what your husband or your wife does at work—you are funding this country. Actually, it's even worse than that. One dollar in every three produced in this economy finds its way into government hands. That's one in every three dollars. Don't take my word for it; listen to John Kehoe of the Financial Revie w .”
“This isn't a government about making hard choices; this is a government about making lazy ones. Why do the hard work on productivity reform when you can just tax more, tax harder and tax more often? Why grow the pie when you can carve it up? Australia's highest marginal tax rate is now at 47 per cent, kicking in at $190,000. We heard from the member for Petrie, 'Income taxes are going down, and we've passed tax cuts.' But that ignores bracket creep, because in the last five years the number of people in this top tax bracket has almost doubled. It's grown to just under $500,000, and it'll soon breach over a million dollars. Everyday Australians are getting taxed more because this cost-of-living crisis sees inflation go up, which sees your wages go up—not as fast as expenses—but then leaves you paying more tax.”
“The first big fight of this parliament is not about a tax on wealth; it's about a tax on imaginary wealth, a tax on gains that don't even exist except in the Treasurer's head—from assets that haven't been sold. It's absurd. But, more than that, it sets a dangerous precedent. If they're taxing unrealised gains right now in your super, what will be next? Will it be the family home, your business or any other asset you may own? Right now, it will only affect about 80,000 people. But, just like our income tax, this policy is not indexed. What does that mean? That means that, for almost half a million Australians sitting out there today, this tax is coming for you. This tax is designed to grow. It's a trojan horse. Australians won't know they've been caught until it's too late and they're caught in the jaws of this tax.”
“That is what has been delivered under this Albanese government. Productivity has collapsed, down over five per cent. Real GDP per capita has fallen from 20th in the world to now into the 60s. Australia is plummeting, and our living standards are plummeting compared to all developed economies and the rest of our world peers. This isn't drift; this is decline. It's not a coincidence, it's not natural and it's not a predictable result. It's economic mismanagement from a treasurer who's more interested in writing essays and books than delivering economic outcomes. Jim Chalmers promised to win the peace on superannuation. Instead, he's declared war on aspiration.”
“This government is addicted to spending. It's addicted to tax. Like any addiction, that comes with consequences—and I'm not talking about the Treasurer walking around, scratching himself, looking for some unrealised gains to tax. It's taxes and it's consequences for real, everyday Australians. For them, it's actually about how they pay their bills. How do they pay for their homes? How do they look after their families? What's Labor's solution? Tax more, spend more—rinse and repeat. This is a government that just can't say no—no to their spending habits, no to their taxes and no to taking more of your money. Since 2023, eight out of the last nine quarters have seen GDP per capita go backwards. What does that mean? That means the average Australian family has gotten poorer. It means your standard of living is going down.”
“I'm moving an amendment to the amendment moved by the member for Wentworth, as circulated in my name, because this government has failed to meaningfully consult Australian small businesses on the impact of this bill. We're condemning the government for refusing to allow this bill to be referred to a parliamentary committee for proper scrutiny and stakeholder input. No regulatory impact statement has been provided to assess how this will affect small business. The government can't even say—”
“Finally, Jeff 'Charlie' Brown was named Volunteer Coach of the Year, and Natasha Seidel received Official of the Year. These names represent more than just awards. They represent hours of patrols, mornings of trainings and years of contribution. The impact of Wanda Surf Life Saving Club reaches every corner of the Sutherland Shire, whether it's keeping our beaches safe or mentoring the next generation of leaders. To all award recipients, congratulations.”
“Emily Caterson and Isaac Lo were named R&R Competitors of the Year, and the open male R&R team—Colin Jones, Kurt Melville, Stuart Smith, Grant Sandstrom, Brock Douglas, with Gordon McKirdy as coach—received the Most Consistent and Improved Team Award. Brett Porteous was recognised as IRB Captain, a vital role in coordinating water safety and rescue. In youth development, we saw: Under 15 Most Improved, Lawrence Scanlon and Ella McGuinness; Under 15 Most Outstanding, Ryan Harris and Kyah Gallen; Under 17 Most Improved, Rhys Wakeham and Jess Henville; Under 17 Most Outstanding, Kyle Mason, Dane Sutton, Charlotte Bowmer and Mia Greacen; Under 19 Most Consistent, Will Steiner and Sienna Alderson; and Under 19 Most Outstanding, Joel Steiner and India Hulbert. The Open Most Outstanding awards went to Kai Hammond and Emma Blanch.”
“Kyle Mason was awarded Beach Athlete of the Year. The Masters Awards recognised Robyn Lester as Master Beach Athlete of the Year, Michael Georgaris as Master Water Athlete of the Year and Nick Middleton as Iron Person of the Year. In leadership roles, Layla White received the Beach Captain's Award, Ben Sutton received the Champion Lifesaver Captain's Award and Deborah Wallis received the March Past Captains Award. The Boat Captain's Award went to William Cregan and Molly Parker, and Olivia Dalgliesh was named Most Improved Junior Boat Rower. The Boat Crew of the Year—the Wanda Weapons—included Matthew Pescud, Jack Spooner, Hayden Ward and Bradley Querzoli. Nathan Spinner was the sweep.”
“It's more than a surf club; it's a community institution built on service, self-sacrifice and teamwork. Each year, Wanda recognises members who go above and beyond to keep our Bate Bay and our club culture strong. I want to recognise the 2024-25 major award winners, who reflect the best of that tradition. Congratulations to: Grant Sandstrom, Most Consistent Member; Mark McGuinness, Open Lifesaver of the Year; and Lawrence Scanlon, Junior Lifesaver of the Year. The Golden Cap Award went to Joshua Van Dyk, and the Member Services Award went to Paul Russell. Adam New was named Most Outstanding IRB Operator. Ken Smith was awarded Most Outstanding Instructor. Dane Sutton was awarded Open Ski Paddler of the Year. Charlotte Bowmer was awarded Swimmer of the Year. Noah Steiner was awarded Board Paddler of the Year.”
“There was a torch run through Gunnamatta reserve and a ceremonial torch lighting and then the plunge itself. Everyone from young athletes to senior officers took part. The money raised during the events will fund uniforms, equipment, transport and competition opportunities for athletes who too often face barriers to participation. It means more kids on fields, more smiles on podiums and more stories of achievement in every postcode of Cook. To the organisers, volunteers and especially the athletes, thank you for what you've done—not just for raising money but for reminding us all what inclusion and community looks like. I want to congratulate the Wanda Surf Life Saving Club, which has served the Sutherland Shire with distinction for 75 years.”
“On Sunday 27 July, something remarkable took place in my electorate of Cook—something cold but something full of heart. Down at Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla, just after sunrise, dozens of locals gathered for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. It's not every day you see members of the police, emergency services, community volunteers and sports teams, like the Cronulla water polo team, sprinting into icy water in the middle of winter, but that's exactly what happened—and they did it for a reason that deeply matters. The polar plunge is part of the Special Olympics Australia and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising both awareness and funds for Australians with intellectual disabilities and autism. It's more than sport. It's about belonging. It's about inclusion, not just in words but in actions.”
“Right now, under Labor, the answer is no. This is a government that cannot talk about Australia's future because it's torching the energy grid that it must be built on. Australia doesn't need more reviews; it needs results. It needs plans that match ambition with capability in energy, in regulation, in skills, in AI, in tech and in execution. Generative AI is not just a technology shift; it's a shift in global power, and, if we want Australia to lead, if we want Australia to keep pace, we need a government that grows up and starts seriously investing in our energy system.”
“Once, in 2004, Australia was ranked in the top five cheapest countries in the OECD for residential power. Today, we are ranked in the top five most expensive. Wholesale power prices are twice in Australia what they are in the United States. That's not just bad luck; that's the result of bad government. This is what happens when ideology replaces engineering, when targets become before transition and when the energy minister confuses press conferences with power stations. Labor energy policy isn't setting us up for AI; it's setting us up for our economy to fail. Australia is on track to miss the AI revolution. This isn't just about tech; this is about whether Australia can remain a serious industrial developed economy. Will we still make things here? Will we host high-performance computing? Will we catch the AI wave of economic growth?”
“In the words of Eric Schmidt to US Congress, 'We need energy in all forms, and it needs to be there quickly for AI.' What is the Labor government doing? Nothing that looks remotely like a plan. Prime Minister Albanese and the Minister for Climate Change and Energy are playing with our energy system like children playing with toys—flicking switches they don't understand and pulling levers with no idea what they control. While Albo and Bowen play, we pay. We pay higher bills, we pay with lost jobs and we pay when global companies choose not to build here because energy in Australia is too expensive and too unstable. Under Labor, household bills are up by more than 20 per cent. Households in my electorate are paying more than $1,000 a year than they were three years ago.”
“Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, recently warned the US Congress that the energy demanded by AI could rise from three per cent today to 99 per cent of total power demand. Eric estimated that the US would need 67 more gigawatts by 2030—an absolutely staggering figure. McKinsey estimates the demand from generative AI could increase by up to 500 per cent by 2030. Other countries are responding. The US, the UK and China are all racing to secure reliable, industrial-strength energy for the next generation of our industries—AI, blockchain, clean manufacturing and nuclear. At COP29, the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany and Korea joined 31 nations committing to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.”
“Artificial intelligence is going to be as revolutionary to our society and our economy as the internet was. Generative AI is not just a new technology; it's an entirely new economic frontier. Right now, Australian businesses are already using this every day in their work—84 per cent of knowledge workers in Australia are already using AI tools in their jobs. This isn't about the future; it's happening now, but it will only accelerate. The opportunity is enormous. The Tech Council of Australia estimates AI could add up to $115 billion to our GDP by 2030. This is a global race, but, unfortunately, the sad news is, under the Labor government, we've already fallen behind. Let's be clear, AI and the AI economy do not run on buzzwords; they run on infrastructure, on skills and, above all, on energy.”
“I also want to thank the Sutherland 2 Surf organising committee from Wanda Surf Life Saving Club, including convener Kate Spinner, club president Fiona Sutton and committee members Anne Caterson OAM, Sue Brannock, Ric Smith, Stuart Smith and Gary McNamara. Their tireless work makes this event possible. To everyone who ran, volunteered, donated and cheered, congratulations and thank you for what you do for our beautiful community in Cook.”
“Nelson Mandela once said, 'Sport has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.' This was clearly on display last weekend in the Sutherland shire, where 8,000 of my constituents pounded the pavement in the Sutherland 2 Surf, from Sutherland to beautiful, sunny Wanda Beach. The race was won by Aidan Velten, a 19-year-old from here in Canberra, who edged out the defending champion, Thomas Do Canto, and Paralympian Michael Roeger in one of the closest finishes in the event's history. In the women's field, Danette Sheehan, originally from Canada, took out first place, completing a remarkable progression—third place two years ago, second place last year and first place this year. Our local talent was on display, with Jared Hurly and Sienna Bass from the Cronulla Track Club winning the under-16 category.”
“The RSL swim club, the Cronulla Sharks Water Polo Club, the canoe club and the triathlon club did not have adequate facilities. We launched a petition, and the community got behind it. We received almost a thousand signatures and the community has had a massive win as the Sutherland Shire Council has listened to them, revising their plan and creating adequate facilities for each of those clubs. Congratulations to the clubs and to all the community members who got behind the petition.”
“I'd like to honour the life of Julie Fitzsimons. Julie was a beloved mother, grandmother and wife whose generosity and courage left a lasting mark on many in my local community. After losing her daughter, Nicole, in a tragic motorbike accident in Thailand in 2012, Julie channelled her grief into action, helping establish the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation, promoting travel safety and supporting young Australians in sport and the arts. Julie was the heart of this foundation, but, in May, she was tragically struck by a car and lost her life while visiting her daughter. It was a tragic accident. We extend our deepest condolences to Vince, Kate, Matt and her grandsons. I'd also like to celebrate a massive win for my local community with the Gunnamatta Pavilion upgrade.”
“Mitchell's loss and Noah's injuries have devastated my local community and serve as a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is. To Mitchell's family: we mourn with you—me and the rest of our beautiful community in Cook. To Noah and your family: our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. I would also like to pay special tribute to police officer Jesse Hockey and paramedic Scott McNamara, who showed extraordinary courage diving into the cold, deep, dark, murky water to help Noah and save his life. Their bravery reflects the best of our emergency services and reflects the community spirit and bravery that all of our community in the seat of Cook exhibits.”
“The best specialist retail business award went to Tracey Morrison from Crockers Paint and Wallpaper. The best businessperson of the year award went to Tahlia Carlyle from Tahlia Carlyle Empowered Living Care. The youth award went to Kyra Holloway from Kyra Holloway, Antara on Wryalla Childcare and Preschool. The best business of the year award went to Jodie Jamieson from Gibson Howlin Lawyers, and the Sutherland Shire access and inclusion winner was Jasmin Moffitt from Dust Devilz. I'd also like to acknowledge a tragic accident. My condolences and prayers go out to the boys and families involved in the tragic jet ski accident on Tuesday evening on the Georges River in Sylvania. Tragically, this accident claimed the life of 15-year-old Mitchell Irvine and left his friend, 14-year-old Noah Watkins, seriously injured.”
“The best pharmacy award went to Ramy Hanna from TerryWhite Chemmart Caringbah. The best plumbing services award went to Jeremy Atoui from Jeremy's Plumbing Meats at Southgate—a great business and a great entrepreneur as well. The best professional medical services award went to Sarah Anis from Spectrum Medical Imaging Miranda. The best professional services award went to Jodie Jamieson from Gibson Howlin Lawyers. The best real estate agency award went to Peter Green from Laing+Simmons in Miranda. The best family restaurant award went to John Hatzikiriakos from the New Chambers Restaurant. The best services and trade award went to Ivana Josic from Boyan Built. The best sole operator award went to Andrew Woodward from the Investors Way. The best specialised business award went to Ben Browning from 1800 Projects.”
“The best fresh food award went to Christina Basile from Panetta Mercato Kirrawee in South Village. The best hairdresser award went to Joanne Beards from Karizma Hair Kreations in the Civic Arcade. The best health improvement services award went to Rachel Dorman from shire hearing and implant centres. The best holiday and travel award went to Susie Potter from the Africa Safari Co in Sutherland. The best jewellery store award went to Julie Heta from Prouds the Jewellers in Sylvania Southgate Shopping Centre. The most inclusive employer award went to Mike Parker from Commercial Freight and Logistics. The best performing arts award went to Zoe Karatzovalis from Infinite Abilities Performing Arts. The best pet care award went to Jacqueline Bell from Cronulla Veterinary Clinic.”
“The best cafe award went to Zee Cheikho from Dolce Aroma. The best community services award went to Dani Christie from the Family Co. The best delicatessen/gourmet food award went to Michael Haddad from Nina's Chocolates—a beautiful place, which has an outlet just near where I live, in Gymea Bay. The best early childhood centre award went to Carissa Blizard from Antara on Wyralla Childcare and Preschool. The best education service award went to Lindsay Smith from Excite Safety. The best fashion award went to Melissa Bennetts from Bay Road Clothes. The best food/takeaway award went to Abdul Chowdhury from Chargrill Chicky. The best fitness services award went to Sophia Chantharawiphak from SPC Muay Thai Gym. The best florist award went to Stephanie Jordan from Nunu Designs.”
“The outstanding new business award went to Esther Goh from Marketing Jar, and the outstanding visitor experience business award went to Jim Winchester from Quest Woolooware Bay. We also had the Local Business Awards, which celebrated more outstanding achievements from these vital small businesses in my local community of Cook. Again, they make up the backbone of Australia, the backbone of Cook, and the backbone of employment. This year's winner from Cook in the automotive services category went to Stephen Melton from Southern Sydney Mechanical. The best bakery/cake business award went to Bastian Gab from Miranda. The best beauty services award went to Wafaa Karim from Cronulla Skin Sanctuary. The best brows and lashes beauty services award went to Lauren Conway from Lauren Elyse & Co, Sutherland Shire.”
“You make Cook proud. I also want to celebrate the Southern Sydney Business Awards in my local community. Small business is the backbone of our country and our economy. Small and medium-sized businesses make up nearly 70 per cent of employment and almost 98 per cent of businesses, and while small business hires, large business fires. Small and medium-sized businesses that grew made up 100 per cent of net job growth in the Australian economy. Not only are they the backbone of the Australian economy; they're the backbone of my local community in Cook. This year's winners in Cook were, for excellence in large business, Geoff Bannister from Betty's Burgers, Miranda, and, for the most outstanding community organisation, Karen Johnston from BFF 4 Change.”
“The junior club person for the under-17 females went to Sophie Woodrow. The junior club person for the under-19 males went to Hobbie Smit. The junior club person for the under-19 females went to Joanna Panter. The Most Improved Member went to Thomas Woodrow. The Ken English Patron Emeritus Award for efforts in instruction and/or training of club members went to Rodd Sanchez, and the Luke and Jack Gibson Memorial Award for most inspirational member went to Chris Barber. The Barry Ezzy OAM Patron Emeritus Award for fundraising or innovation went to Ken Rosebery. The Geoffrey Forshaw OAM Patron Emeritus Memorial Award for efforts in enhancing the reputation of the club went to Anna Crane and John Tangohau. To all of this year's recipients: your contribution to the safety, the sport and our community of Cook is deeply appreciated.”
“There was also another set of special awards that I would like to draw attention to. The Masters Competitor of the Year was David Brukmann. The Ken Brown Award went to Zara Lammers. The Nick Dixon Memorial Boatman's Trophy went to Declan Bourke. The Outstanding Contribution to IRB Section went to Greg Oldfield. The Outstanding Official went to Carlo Villanti. The Bill Marshal OAM Memorial Award for the patrol person of the year went to Lachlan Waring from patrol 2. The Tony Purcell Memorial Award went to Jack Robinson. The Instructors Award went to Rodd Sanchez. The junior club person for the under-15 males went to Diego Ordenes and the junior club person for the under-15 females went to Amelia De Jongh. The junior club person for the under-17 males went to Melvin Guilbert.”