Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. They show up and lend a hand for free, making selfless contributions and donating their time, energy and expertise all in the name of a greater cause. There is no doubt that the service of volunteers is instrumental in shaping community spirit, and their support is crucial not only during times of crisis but also every day. The benefits of volunteers to an organisation are profound and far-reaching, but those benefits also extend inwards to enhance the lives of those who give so generously of their time. Living with purpose and meaning influences one's satisfaction in life and, when we are doing good for others, we feel good about ourselves. Studies have shown that the act of volunteering contributes to happier, healthier lives, elevating mood and impacting positively on physical and emotional wellbeing.

Volunteering is also a wonderful way to instil a sense of belonging, something that becomes increasingly essential as we descend further into this era of disconnect. As our lives and interactions continue to shift to online platforms, I sometimes fear that one day we will lose touch altogether. Artificial intelligence will never be a replacement for human connection, and I strongly believe the act of volunteering could well provide a fighting chance for the future of our ability to care for and relate to one another. It is also important to acknowledge the challenges that can accompany volunteering, particularly when that service is provided at a time of great sadness, trauma or loss. Those who put themselves forward to help others who are struggling can be impacted too. The link between volunteering and empathy is undeniable, and I take this moment to remind us all of the need to support those who support us.

Of course, I cannot speak about the incredible volunteers who walk amongst us without paying tribute to those who exist in my Blue Mountains community. I would need hours to list them all individually and the many and varied acts of kindness they share with us every day. So in lieu of being afforded that time, I say a heartfelt thank you to them all. Let me highlight a few of the organisations that bring so much to our local region through their unwavering displays of caring for our community. Mountains Youth Services Team, or MYST, have a simple statement on the homepage of their website that sums up their vision: "Our purpose is that all young people that contact MYST get the help they need." The core team at MYST, supported by their incredible volunteers, offer adventurous and fun therapeutic programs for youth, encouraging teamwork and resilience. The work of an organisation such as that is enhanced exponentially by the input of its many volunteers.

Belong Blue Mountains is another organisation in my community that relies on the generosity of a whole network of volunteers, who work together with a focus on building strength, wellbeing, resilience and cohesion in our local community. Its work is another example of the far-reaching, positive impacts made by the volunteers in our lives. I cannot speak of the merits or value of volunteering without mentioning the NSW Rural Fire Service, particularly in an area such as the Blue Mountains where we live with the risk of bushfires every year. The New South Wales RFS is the world's largest volunteer fire service, with thousands of members serving to protect the community and the environment. The selflessness and sense of duty shown by these men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe is to be highly commended, and many in my community would join me in expressing the deepest of gratitude towards this incredible army of volunteers.

I finish by mentioning some very special volunteers whom I simply could not do my job without. Kate, Lydia, Olivia, Coralie and Edward devote their time to assist me and my team in my electorate office, and I want to say on the record that they are all very much valued and appreciated. I thank them for showing up, with each of them bringing something unique to the team. Lydia and Olivia are two homeschooled girls. Their positive dispositions and willingness to jump in and do whatever is asked are wonderful. Edward's enthusiasm is infectious, and I have every faith that he will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to. Coralie's energy and vibrancy light up the room. And I thank Kate for keeping us in line for all these years—we really would be lost without her. I thank all the volunteers out there in whatever capacity they give of their time and benevolence. We recently celebrated service during National Volunteer Week, but we need to acknowledge the incredible things volunteers do each and every day.