Tonight I issue a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the staff at my Blue Mountains electorate office. Usually at this time of the year, we all take an opportunity in Christmas felicitations to thank all of those who contribute to the work that we are able to do. In my last private member's statement of this year, I thank the very best of teams: my senior electorate officers Michelle Barlow and Jesse Miller; Flynn Erich, Ilsa Cunningham, Jane McMaster, Brenda Cunningham-Lewis and Kate McDonald; and my short-term relief staff William Grieve, Edward Bell-Smith, John Hugo and Donna Mulhearn, who have helped over the last little while. The lovely Lydia and Olivia are two work experience students who came along to my office a few years ago, and they have come back to do a day's volunteer work with me in my office every week since completing homeschooling. I also give a shout-out to my friend and former staffer, Tom HB. He is a trusted political confidant extraordinaire, and he has been my campaign manager for well over a decade.
These people are talented, intelligent and patient problem-solvers. They are the best group of people who work as a team that I have ever had. They have integrity in spades, and they are caring. This wonderful group of individuals who make up the team at the Blue Mountains electorate office are committed to working with and supporting the people of the Blue Mountains and each other. They are loyal to me, which is absolutely integral to the work that we do as members of Parliament. They are positive, helpful and beautiful characters, who have great sense of humour, and their work ethic is second to none. I am sure that I am not the only member who would speak of their electorate office staff in this way.
Because of the work that we do and our standing with our communities, people email and call us or walk into our office. They do not come into our office to tell us what a great life they are having and how everything is working well. It is quite the opposite. It calls for a particular kind of person to have the patience and care to respond and deal with people who are in distressing situations. Of course, elected members of Parliament cannot always be there to answer calls or our doors and respond to each and every individual interaction. We rely on the very best of people to do that job with us.
Not every team can work together smoothly with care for each other's mental wellbeing and have a bit of a laugh, looking out for each other. The team that I have at the moment is absolutely fantastic. At the end of what has been a big and tough year for us, it is important for me to acknowledge in my last private member's statement of this year the people who enable me to do my job to the best of my ability. I love the fact that we do it in a collegiate manner and are able to have a good laugh, as we support the people of the Blue Mountains. As I move around the community, it is great to hear from the people of the Blue Mountains how supported they feel when they reach out to my community. So cheers to the Blue Mountains electorate office team! Thank you. I am very blessed.
