I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional service of two young Novocastrians, Edith McNamara and Hamish Lawrence, who were recently recognised as the region's Junior Life Savers of the Year. While many teenagers are out enjoying their weekends, Edith and Hamish are out patrolling our beaches to prevent drownings and injuries. They're conducting rescues. They're providing first aid. They're setting up safe swimming zones between the red and yellow flags and educating the public on beach safety. They are making a profound contribution to the community, and they're part of a very long and proud tradition of surf lifesaving in Newcastle, a tradition that's built on volunteerism, responsibility and care for others.

I'm a very fortunate member of this parliament. I have six surf lifesaving clubs to represent, stretching from Stockton, Nobbys, Newcastle, Cooks Hill, Merewether to Dixon Park. They are all important contributors to our community, but Edith and Hamish are really exceptional examples of young people doing remarkable work. I note that Edith has already helped rescue a struggling swimmer during patrol and Hamish is continuing to dedicate himself to developing and building on his training and skills in protecting beachgoers. As I mentioned, these are not small contributions; these are real acts of service. They make a positive difference.

What is so powerful about their stories is that they remind us that leadership doesn't have to wait till adulthood. It's happening right now. It's happening on our beaches, in our surf clubs, in our communities and in our sporting organisations. These are young lifesavers who are representing the very best of us, and they give me and, I know, all Novocastrians great confidence that our future is in very good hands.