I rise today to congratulate a local Oxley resident, Mr Pat Passfield, who is a true

champion in our community. Last Friday I was delighted to host the shadow minister for ageing and mental

health, Julie Collins, in the electorate of Oxley. We were able to visit new aged-care facilities and visit a very

special place, Sinnamon Village, run by the Wesley Mission in Queensland. The shadow minister was able to

present Pat with a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding work in raising funds. Pat is a virtual walker.

On his treadmill he has walked the equivalent of from Brisbane to Melbourne and back. Each year Pat raises

thousands of dollars. He has raised money for diabetes. He has made money for the Wesley Mission. Now he

is raising important funds for Youngcare.

Alongside CEO Geoff Batkin, the director of residential aged care, Annie Gibney, and Melissa Peterson, the

centre manager, we were able to join with residents at this wonderful facility and acknowledge Pat's outstanding

contribution. Pat is a great bloke. He is a good friend of mine. I was delighted to honour his contribution to our

community. Long may Pat keep walking and raising funds. You are doing a great job, mate. We are all behind you.