Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland) (15:40): I give my heartfelt thanks to the many local first responders for the incredible service they provide to our community. Whatever the disaster, our emergency services are there and they often work in a voluntary capacity. The recent devastating storm and flood event once again showed just how amazing our first responders are. Crews were on the ground in Maitland doing what they could, whether it was providing sandbags to desperate residents or operating flood boats to deliver essential transport, or surf rescue crews helping isolated residents get from their homes to school, work and vital appointments without tying up precious SES resources. Other crews travelled north to help with the clean-up in Lismore and surrounding areas. I pay tribute to all involved, who are always there in times of need, for their skills and expertise, for their dedication and, most of all, for their extraordinary compassion and humanity. I thank those brave men and women for their commitment and service to our community and the rest of the State.