Photo credit: Salty Dingo

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Ku-ring-gai—Minister for Skills and Training, and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology) (15:45): I am pleased to recognise Karen Penrose, who received the Ku-ring-gai Local Woman of the Year Award for her significant contribution to the community. The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program celebrating and recognising the support women give to their local communities across New South Wales, and Karen is an exemplary recipient. She is a director of Rugby Australia and locally is the president of Old Barker Rugby Club. Karen was instrumental in securing New South Wales Government funding that entirely upgraded the Turramurra Memorial Park pavilion, and she has been a great advocate for participation by women in sport. On 9 March I attended the awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre to celebrate the achievements of Karen and other women. Karen's unflagging passion for making Ku-ring-gai a better place is inspiring. I again congratulate Karen on that well-deserved honour and thank her for her immense contribution to our community.