I am proud to acknowledge the rotary clubs of the upper Blue Mountains for their ongoing and wholehearted commitment to promoting excellence in our community through the pride of workmanship awards. This initiative is more than an awards night. It is a celebration of the skills, dedication and quiet professionalism that underpin every vocation, often done behind the scenes and without public acknowledgement. By encouraging pride in workmanship, our local rotary clubs are shining a spotlight on the individuals whose commitment and care are absolutely vital to the strength and wellbeing of our local economy and community.

The awards provide an important platform for employers to recognise employees who demonstrate integrity, reliability and a deep sense of purpose in their work. This public recognition not only fosters healthy and respectful workplace relationships, but also builds something far greater—a strong, shared sense of community pride and belonging. I was honoured to attend this year's gala dinner at Katoomba RSL on Tuesday 20 May. It is always a moving and uplifting event. It was expertly emceed by Steve Cookson. We heard a great keynote speech from Jason Cronshaw, who is the manager of Fantastic Aussie Tours, the head of operations at Scenic World and the president of Blue Mountains Tourism—he is a busy man.

There was such warmth in the room, and a real sense of admiration, respect and appreciation for those being recognised. From Central Blue Mountains Rotary, we honoured Hannah Carlon from the Wentworth Falls post office, Pauline Stafrace from Belong Blue Mountains and Adele Moore from Bendigo Bank in Katoomba. From Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, we recognised Nicholas Hancott from the Hazelbrook Bowling Club, Gailene Keen from the Mountains Youth Services Team and Andrea Hah from MOVE Clinic. From the Rotary Club of Katoomba, we recognised Tory McPhee from Greystanes Disability Services, Grace Boersma from Theo Poulos Real Estate and Adam Johnson of Blackheath Deli. From the Rotary Club of Blackheath, we recognised Dylan Merlino from the IGA in Blackheath, and Kirsten Mulholland and Adam Cousins from Mount Vic Flicks.

Those individuals and those who took the time to nominate them, remind us what it looks like to take pride in what we do. Whether it is serving a customer, supporting a young person, helping someone access care or running a small business with heart and community in mind, these acts build a better, more connected place for us all. I sincerely thank Don Mackenzie and the rotary clubs of Central Blue Mountains, Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, Katoomba and Blackheath for their steadfast commitment to recognising local excellence. Their ongoing involvement in both the business and broader community life of our region is invaluable. It reminds us of the power of encouragement, of kindness and of coming together to celebrate everyday people doing extraordinary things in ordinary roles. I encourage everyone in our communities to support and acknowledge those around them who work with heart, because these are the people who make our region thrive. I say a huge congratulations to our rotary clubs in the beautiful Blue Mountains and to all the award recipients.