Mrs MAY (1:46 PM) —I recently had the privilege of sharing in the golden anniversary celebrations of Blue Care and the journey this wonderful organisation has taken over those 50 years in service to our communities in Queensland and northern New South Wales. The celebration morning was a huge success. Blue Care's first ever nurse, Sister Olive Crombie, talked about her early experiences with the organisation and how she delivered those much-needed services on foot, by tram or by bus until she eventually drove a second-hand Hillman. Sister Olive is a passionate pioneer with a strong Christian faith who was dedicated and committed to her fellow man as a nurse and carer. Those services are still being delivered today with the same genuine Christian compassion and commitment. There is a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles working throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales, delivering services to people in need. Today, Blue Care provides care and support to one in 45 Queenslanders—a remarkable achievement.

During the past five years I have had the privilege of supporting Blue Care. Today I would like to pay tribute to two people whom I believe have made an enormous contribution to the Gold Coast community through their work with Blue Care. Robert Birrer and Christine Griffin are two of the most selfless people I have ever met and their capacity to continue to meet challenges in health and aged care is a credit to them and to Blue Care on the Gold Coast. I wish them and their teams all the best for another successful 50 years.