Recreation Sports and Aquatics Club

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-105071

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Recreation Sports and Aquatics Club

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (19:04:35):

I bring to the attention of the House and acknowledge the exemplary work of the Recreation Sports and Aquatics Club [RSAC]. The RSAC is a not‑for‑profit, community‑based organisation that provides sport, recreation, social activities and opportunities for people with a disability. Although based in Bankstown, its weekly and monthly programs extend to Canterbury, Strathfield and Fairfield districts, as well as covering my electorate in the St George area.

I recognise the Executive Officer of the RSAC, Jennifer Bombardieri, who founded the organisation more than three decades ago in 1986. Since then, it has grown from being a simple operation run out of her home to a registered charity organisation with a team of volunteers. The RSAC has thrived from its humble beginnings due to Jennifer's dedication and commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with a disability. Today, programs include sports training and competitions, school holiday programs, monthly kids Saturday outings, regular discos, dance classes, drama, family camps and many other special events.

The RSAC has assisted thousands of children, their families and their carers with programs that run on a weekly basis and throughout school holidays. Jennifer's work, which strives to enhance the social and physical wellbeing of individuals with a disability, reflects values that we all hold dear. The RSAC's mission is to be a leading‑edge provider of services promoting quality of life and inclusion to people with disabilities and their carers and families. Jennifer's heart for helping people excel in life is reflected in the organisation's core objectives. Ensuring all people are given equal opportunities in life is something this Government has always stood for. It is inspiring to see individuals, organisations and governments working together to ensure this is our reality.

I also recognise the Honorary President of the RSAC, Bob Beer, for his determination to outline the mission of the club. The club is held in high regard throughout the community and this is reflected in Bob's recognition as the Canterbury Bankstown City 2017 Volunteer of the Year. Additionally, Jennifer was awarded the 2017 University of Western Sydney Woman of the West for community works. With a team like this, the RSAC is going from strength to strength and onwards and upwards as it continues to reach more people with its programs and positively impact more families across Sydney. However, it is not just the executive team that has ensured that the vision of the RSAC continues to flourish. Countless volunteers are responsible for the realisation of its vision, and the generosity of supporters and sponsors has ensured the organisation can operate to the capacity that we see today.

Mary Sheppard is one of many dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to support the organisation. In November 2017, I had the privilege of acknowledging Mary at the seventh annual St George Community Awards by awarding her with a certificate in the Senior Volunteer Achievement Award category. Mary has been a member and participant of the RSAC for more than 20 years. She regularly participates in tenpin bowling and drama programs within the club. During these years, Mary has made hundreds of jars of jams, chutneys and pickles for the RSAC, spending many hours at fetes, barbecues, wine tastings and other functions, where she hosts tastings and runs stalls to sell her products. Mary donates every single dollar raised through the selling of many of these items to charity. Mary's generosity and spirited outlook on life is what we celebrate at the St George Community Awards event, which I host every year.

I count it a great honour to recognise this noteworthy organisation in Parliament. In May 2017, I had the privilege of attending the RSAC's first major fundraising event alongside the Minister for Sport, the Hon. Stuart Ayres. The support and network of individuals, groups and sponsors were admirable. I extend my gratitude to RSAC for the invitation to such a significant fundraising event. The club's reputation in the community and within the government sector is impressive and well respected. On behalf of all members on both sides of the House, I wish the club all the best in providing services, programs and support networks that are accessible to all individuals no matter their physical or mental capabilities. I thank each and every volunteer.