I rise to commend and give thanks to just a few of the individuals and community groups in the Aspley electorate who have been doing brilliant work over the past year and to congratulate the latest recipients of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. A total of almost $100,000 has been invested into the Aspley electorate in just round 98 of the fund. Aspley Lions Club has received $35,000 to upgrade their facilities; Geebung Kindergarten and Preschool almost $30,000 to upgrade their flooring; and the Queensland Guide Dogs, who are based in Bald Hills, received over $30,000 for upgrades and to purchase machinery. These well deserved funds will assist these organisations to grow, embark on new projects and to reach more members across our community in need of their assistance.

Next may I congratulate the local recipients of the Lilley Australia Day Awards. This annual ceremony brings together the entire community to celebrate those individuals and organisations who work tirelessly throughout the year to make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family. It was great to join Wayne Swan, the member for Lilley, and Anika Wells, the future member for Lilley, at the event.

Well done to the winners of the prestigious Ted Tremayne Award, the Aspley VIEW Club. Now the largest VIEW club in Australia, the consistent and impressive work of its over 200 members provides support and funds for disadvantaged Australian school children through the Smith Family. The Aspley VIEW Club currently supports 30 disadvantaged children locally with basic school requirements, helping them realise and achieve their true potential. I congratulate and thank them for the vital work they do. It has a tangible and positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children in the area.

The kids at Aspley Special School have a very special friend in Annie the reading dog, together with her owner Sue Matthews. Each week Annie allows students to read aloud to her as a non-judgmental audience. Annie and Sue's volunteering has enabled the students to grow their self-esteem, boost their motivation to read and has improved their confidence and skill to read aloud by being a great listener. My dogs only listen to me when I have food for them, so well done, Sue.

Everyone at the Geebung RSL knows the Birds and specifically acknowledged this year was Lyn Bird. Among many other things, Lyn coordinated the Armistice Day Centenary Concert in 2018, bringing together local schools for a fantastic unforgettable concert.
To Beverley Webb, also of the Geebung RSL, thank you for giving your time generously throughout your vital work in the Anzac Day Gunfire Breakfast, not to mention your fundraising efforts on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and throughout the year.
Lastly to Mary Tierney, your efforts with the financial affairs and everything else at the Aspley Devils over a period of 38 years is deserving of high recognition. The award is well deserved in acknowledgement of your contribution to a fantastic local club.
There are many others I have run out of time to mention, but thank you to everyone in the Aspley community, individuals and organisations, who help make our community a better place every day.