Penshurst 3bridges Community

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-98041

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

Penshurst 3bridges Community

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (16:46:19):

Before I talk about a wonderful organisation in my electorate, 3Bridges Community, I acknowledge my good friend Labor Councillor Nick Katris, with whom I had the great honour to serve over a long period of time on the former Kogarah City Council. Nick is an outstanding member of the community. I acknowledge and bring to the attention of the House the hard work and dedication of the staff, volunteers and supporters of 3Bridges Community in Penshurst. 3Bridges has more than 40 years of experience in partnering with local communities to deliver a range of services. The organisation ensures that people in my community are connected, engaged and valued. This is particularly important for the most vulnerable groups that 3Bridges cares for, including babies and children, adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, and the elderly.

The organisation serves around 25,000 people each year. At the core of its work is the desire to make a positive difference to people's lives through engagement, integration and activation. I have lost count of the number of times I have visited 3Bridges over the years, but each time I am motivated by the enthusiasm and energy of the staff, volunteers and participants. When one enters the facility on George Street, Penshurst, one immediately feels welcomed and cared for. In today's world we are supposedly more connected than ever by devices, but the reality is that many people feel loneliness, isolation and despair at the lack of human contact. This is where organisations such as 3Bridges in Penshurst play an important role in ensuring our communities are vibrant, inclusive and connected. They are characteristics that I know people across the St George area and New South Wales welcome and want.

To help communities reach these goals, the New South Wales Government has recognised and continues to recognise the work and importance of 3Bridges. In 2016 I was delighted to award 3Bridges more than $50,000, under the Community Building Partnership grants, to improve disabled access and provide additional parking at the community centre in Penshurst. That funding will allow those in wheelchairs, and parents with prams, better access to the facilities and services at the community centre. Those of us who are mobile forget how isolating and challenging it can be for people with reduced mobility. Young people in particular can feel despair and left out when they cannot access services, venues and, more importantly, the 3Bridges centre. More often than not, this leads to increased rates of depression and isolationism.

St George and Sutherland Leader

Furthermore, I was delighted to read in today's local , that 3Bridges, in partnership with the Intellectual Disability Foundation St George, Sunnyhaven and Civic, has been awarded $50,000 through the New South Wales Government's Stronger Communities Program. The funding will be used to develop a program for people with a disability who want to volunteer in our local area. Once again, 3Bridges, which is at the forefront of this program, has debunked the idea that people with a disability are limited in what they can offer. Instead, the program will provide opportunities for people to volunteer regardless of their disability. Not only is the community being served by those volunteering but the people involved will no doubt also get a lot out of it, including experience, job skills and a connection with those they are assisting and their community.

Earlier this month I supported a fundraiser for the 3Bridges Early Years Program. The fundraiser was held at Cafe 41 in Penshurst Street, Penshurst. For each coffee sold the cafe donated the funds to 3Bridges for its program. I thank the owners and staff at Cafe 41 for their generosity and service to our local community. They make great coffee and good food. If Mr Temporary Speaker is in the area he should drop in because he will certainly not regret it. The Early Years Support Program is led by trained volunteers—all parents or grandparents—who offer a weekly three- to four-hour home visiting service to support families with newborn babies in my local area. Becoming a parent is a wonderful experience, but together with sleep deprivation, financial stress, relationship issues and post-natal depression it can be overwhelming and frightening for some. Without proper support these families, particularly women and children, are at great risk. That is what is unique and important about this program. On behalf of all members of this House, I thank 3Bridges at Penshurst for its efforts.