A hundred years ago the world was experiencing the Roaring Twenties, when technology was much less advanced than today. Regular radio broadcasts were becoming more frequent. Cars were becoming more common, with horses and carts still dominating. World War II was still 14 years from commencing, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge had not yet been built.

A highlight of each year for me is when I host two high school leaders from each secondary school in the Wahroonga electorate for a tour and special dinner in the President's Dining Room at Parliament House here in Macquarie Street.

I recently met two inspiring young men who took part in the New South Wales Youth Parliament.

St Lucy's School was founded by the Dominican Sisters in 1938 in Homebush before moving in 1959 to Wahroonga, where it remains today.

I sadly inform the House of the recent passing of the much-loved Mrs Jo Harris, OAM. Jo was born in Killara, attended Ravenswood and went on to study design and costume at East Sydney Technical College.

Most, if not all, members of this house have spoken in their inaugural speech about the history of their local area and how it was settled and developed. It is very important to our identity to have knowledge of our local area and its history in order to pass that on to future generations.

I acknowledge the passing of, and pay tribute to, Stuart Clark, AM, AFSM—a remarkable member of our community. As will become apparent, the five minutes allotted to the delivery of a private member's statement is entirely inadequate to properly go into the detail of the many respects in which Stuart Clark contributed to our community.

I recently had the pleasure of presenting Joseph Kim from Westleigh with a State Representative Award in recognition of his achievement representing New South Wales at the 2024 School Sport Australia Swimming Championship. At 17 years of age, Joseph was part of the relay team that broke the 200-metre freestyle record at the recent CAS Swimming and Diving Championships.

I congratulate Helen Campbell on receiving a Pride of Workmanship award from the Rotary Club of Wahroonga. The award was given to Helen to recognise her personal commitment to her vocation.

Last week, more than 20,000 morning teas were held across the country, raising more than $6.5 million for the Cancer Council as part of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. One of the most inspirational of those was the extraordinary effort of Amelia R, a year 6 student from class 6A at Thornleigh West Public School.

Despite imposing significant planning changes on the Wahroonga electorate and surrounding suburbs without community consultation or consideration, the Minns Labor Government refuses to invest in important local infrastructure. Worse still, the Minns Labor Government has tried to recover infrastructure funding that was already promised to the electorate by the former Coalition Government.

Debra Hargreaves was presented with the Health Services Award at the Rotary Club of Wahroonga awards night. The award recognises excellence in vocational service in the field of health services and is given to individuals who display pride of workmanship and personal commitment in their vocation.

The Wahroonga electorate continues to grow, and that comes as no surprise given that it has a fantastic community and is a great place to live, work and raise a family. With its strong sense of community, excellent schools and beautiful natural environment, surrounded by several national parks, our community continues to grow.

Today is the eightieth anniversary of the victory in Europe, ending that theatre of battle in the Second World War. On this day 80 years ago, my father was a 19‑year‑old, but not in Europe where he grew up and where he had been in the Dutch resistance.

I congratulate Laura George from the Road Less Taken on receiving a 2025 Small Business Award from the Rotary Club of Wahroonga. Situated only a few doors up from my electorate office in the Wahroonga village, Road Less Taken is a family-owned company which has been a vital part of Wahroonga village for several years.

One of the excellent schools in the Wahroonga electorate, Pennant Hills Public School, recently celebrated its centenary. I had the pleasure of joining the students, staff, parents and ex-students at an assembly to celebrate 100 years of academic growth and success.

Recently, I was once again delighted to attend the annual Art North Exhibition at the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery at Abbotsleigh. This year, the gallery showcased artworks from the 2024 year 12 visual arts students across the Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby district.

I commend the Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga, the San, for its incredible work and for being ranked the highest for outpatient cancer services.

We are incredibly fortunate in the Wahroonga electorate to have an abundance of incredible women who contribute so much to our community. Their dedication and passion enrich the lives of those around them, making our local area a better place to live, work and raise a family.

I wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year as we celebrate the Year of the Snake.

The core philosophy of St Edmund's College in Wahroonga focuses on meeting the individual needs of each student and helping them to develop the skills they need to take their rightful place in society.

Last week, I attended the Hornsby RSL Sub‑Branch Remembrance Day ceremony, where we reflected on the lives lost during the First World War and in all the wars since.

We are coming up to bushfire season, and it is more important than ever to ensure that our communities are ready for any bushfires this summer.

Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether it is a family member or friend who has been diagnosed, we all know someone who has been affected by cancer.