I rise today to recognise two extraordinary heroes from my electorate of Cunningham who have proven the difference the power of one can make in the world.
For 28 years, Joe Alves has been shaving his head all in the name of a good cause, raising funds for life-changing blood cancer support and research.
On Sunday 1 March, Joe held his 28th fundraising lunch for the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave. Once again the room was filled with local families, small businesses and long-time supporters, all coming together for a cause that Joe has championed for nearly three decades. Year after year, Joe has shaved his head in solidarity with Australians facing blood cancer problems.
It is a simple but powerful act—one that sparks conversations, builds awareness and, more importantly, raises vital funds. Over that time, Joe has raised more than $350,000. This is an extraordinary contribution from one individual driven by compassion and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
This year alone, he raised an incredible $16,357.40, a testament not only to Joe's dedication but also to our vibrant and generous Portuguese community, who continue to stand beside him. Joe's leadership and humility is truly inspiring, reminding us that community spirit is alive and well in the Illawarra. I thank him and everyone who supports him each year for the meaningful difference they are making in the lives of Australian families.
Another incredible individual who has dedicated decades of his life to others is Phil Murray. For 21 years, Phil has run the Great Ocean Pool Crawl. Each year, the party bus leaves from Towradgi Beach Hotel. They swim through magnificent ocean pools at Coalcliff, Wombarra, Austinmer, Bulli and Towradgi—ending, of course, with a beer and a raffle back at the pub.
The event raises much needed funds for the Cancer Council. Since its first year, Phil and the ocean pool crawlers have raised more than $508,000, which has supported the vital work the Cancer Council does across the Illawarra. Sadly, this was the last year for Phil. He is hanging up his cossies after more than two decades. He leaves an incredible legacy of generosity and community spirit that will not be easily forgotten.
It takes a lot of work to pull together a community event like this, and I'd also like to acknowledge the Cancer Council's Robyn Dawson and her team for their efforts rallying community support for this fun event. We are so very grateful to Phil and everyone who has participated in the crawl for the last 21 years. Our community is stronger because of you, a local hero.
Thank you again to Joe, Phil and all of the incredible local Cunningham heroes working to make a better world. (Time expired)
