Mr DICK (Oxley) (13:41): Our veterans sacrificed so much to serve our country. Recently I had the honour of
presenting a parliamentary certificate of recognition and an Australian flag to 95-year-old Mr Walter Williams,
alongside his beautiful family, for his service during World War II. Like all veterans, Mr Williams is an
extraordinary man who fought for our country. Our community expresses our deep thanks for his service.
Earlier this month our community held two welcoming the babies ceremonies: one in Inala, hosted by Premier
Annastacia Palaszczuk, now in its 12th year, and one in Greater Springfield, hosted by Charis Mullen, the state
member for Jordan, for the second year. Over the past few years both of these events have grown into major
annual events where the community has a chance to welcome our newest and youngest members and to provide
local parents with essentials for their growing families. Besides providing a great day out for parents and kids,
with all number of free gifts, rides and attractions, these events provide local small businesses and community
groups opportunities to engage with families who otherwise may not know of these services. This year we were
proud to partner with Kidsafe Queensland, Milestones Early Learning, Peter McMahon's Swim Factory, Brisbane
and Ipswich city council libraries, and the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
I'd like to extend my thanks to the South West Progress Association for all their hard work in organising and
delivering this event, as they do year after year. We welcome hundreds and hundreds of babies to our local
community. It's a privilege to represent an area with a strong community spirit and diversity. I thank all the
volunteers involved.