Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (09:55):

I had the pleasure of attending the 10th anniversary of the Huntlee Academy. Huntlee Academy is a not-for-profit established in 2014 to provide work, skills and higher-level career opportunities for local disadvantaged people, including Indigenous Australians, youth, the long-term unemployed, mature-age workers and people with a disability. Their employment training and upskilling programs give locals who need a hand up the opportunity to gain licences and certifications. They're giving locals the opportunity to change the course of their lives and a chance to get the skills and qualifications that they need to set them up for the future.

Huntlee Academy has invested over $140,000 in training and offers basic competencies, from operating power tools and plant and equipment competencies to the provision of licences and tickets, including drivers licence; forklift, excavator, bobcat, skid-steer, underground locating and chemical application certification; and working at heights, health and safety, first aid and CPR.

They also offer full qualifications, including cert III in horticulture and cert II in construction pathways. This year, the inaugural cohort of 14 employees, ranging from 16 to 59 years of age, will earn nationally recognised qualifications in their chosen fields.

I want to give a special mention to the individuals who graduated with a certificate III in horticulture. For some, this remarkable journey began back in 2022, and it's an amazing achievement to have completed this course. Their deep knowledge and practical skills in this field will undoubtedly serve them well as they embark on a promising career in landscaping, nursery management, parks and gardens and beyond. These skills and qualifications that they can take with them their whole lives will open up doors for these graduates to enter careers and live the lives of their choosing.

Congratulations to Tasmine Tomkins, Chelsea Wild, Zaine Gleeson, Brody Ede, Graham Barrett and Jye Klarnett.

I also want to recognise and congratulate those who graduated with a certificate II in construction pathways. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional aptitude, laying a solid foundation for successful careers in the ever-growing construction industry. They also stepped out into the professional world armed with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience gained during their time at Huntlee Academy. I have no doubt that each of these graduates will make significant contributions in their fields.

Congratulations to Ashton Harding, Barry Anderson, Rylee Norris, Brody Connelly-Smith, Caelan Evans, Taylor Ormsby, Mathew King and JD White.

Congratulations, and thank you, to the Huntlee Academy. The work you do is truly life changing for these individuals, and you form such an important part of the community. I look forward to working with you in the future, and thank you for all you do. Cheers.