Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) (19:17): The high school formal is indeed a right of passage for every year 12 student. It is a night to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends, teachers and family. Preparing for such a night, the clothes, shoes and accessories, comes at a significant cost, a cost some families and many young people find difficult to meet. The cost of living crisis has only exacerbated this issue. Concerned that many young people could not celebrate this special time in their lives, The Formal Project was founded. Operating out of Minto Mall in my electorate, The Formal Project is a free service that provides local students with a place to get fitted and dressed for their special night at their school formal.
In 2023, with the support of an army of committed volunteers and the generosity of Minto Mall, The Formal Project fitted more than 1,300 students, providing them with dresses, suits, shoes and jewellery. This was an outstanding achievement. Money was raised through stalls to help pay for the hairdressing, make-up, nails, barber cuts, formal tickets, personal care items and so much more. This fantastic community initiative put a smile on many young people's faces, ensuring that they could enjoy one of the most memorable milestones in their lives. I have visited The Formal Project and it is certainly a popular place. It was wonderful to see the project's founder, Ms Samantha Oaks, named Campbelltown City Council 2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year. I was delighted. I congratulate Samantha and commend all those within my electorate who are involved in this initiative to ensure that no child misses out on this special occasion.
This year's Australia Day awards highlighted a broad cross‑section of our community's contributions. Big or small, every contribution goes toward making our community a better place. I congratulate all of the award recipients and nominees. All have demonstrated a commitment to our community. Eden College in Macquarie Fields was awarded the 2024 Community Group Initiative of the Year. Run by Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets, Eden College supports young people who have become disengaged from mainstream education or are at risk of doing so. Operating since 2007, Eden College supports students through individual and flexible learning plans. Students work towards progressing to year 11 and 12, re-entering mainstream schools or transitioning into vocational training and employment. The college is supporting 43 students in years 9 to 12 to finish high school and gain employment after graduation.
Eden College has also identified that some families require assistance with food insecurity. A food hamper program delivers free food hampers weekly to about 10 families, and food hampers are also made available at half price to all members of the Macquarie Fields community. While we celebrate the award winners, we should also applaud the many award nominees. They may not have received the top gong, but their community efforts do not go unnoticed. In particular, I mention from my electorate Jenny and Darko Ristic, the founders of The Silver Coin Project, which helps provide basic school necessities for children in need in the local community; Mr Abdus Sobhan, a long‑time supporter of Clean Up Australia Day and the Multicultural Society of Campbelltown; Ashiqur Rahman, the co-founder of A‑B Street Library; and Mr Ken Barnard, a wonderful man whom I have known for a long time. A dedicated volunteer and passionate mental health advocate, Ken is the chairperson of Headspace Campbelltown and vice president of the local mental health organisation, Beautiful Minds. Ken is also a long‑term member of the board of Myrtle Cottage, Ingleburn, and has been actively involved in homelessness projects and suicide prevention. I congratulate all award nominees and winners.
As the member for Macquarie Fields, it is a privilege to serve my community and to witness firsthand the contributions made by so many locals in my electorate. From little things, big things grow. When Samantha Oakes learned that one young person was not attending her school formal because an outfit was too expensive, she thought, "That is one kid too many." This year, many young people will not have to face the same dilemma due to the great work of The Formal Project. It is proof that one act of kindness can make a huge difference to many people.
