Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown)— At just twelve years old, Kotara South's own Luca Romeo is making waves in the music industry, with his sounds being heard both locally and abroad.

Luca was nine when he discovered his passion for the drums, and that passion has already paid creative dividends. Styled as "Luca B", he has been endorsed by SOLOBEAT Drumstricks, an Indonesian drumstick manufacturer who have even launched custom sticks with Luca B branding on a cool design.

Luca's talent is undeniable, and his original material is creative and engaging. He was recently nominated for the Lake Mac Artist and Creator Award at the 2022 Lake Mac Awards. Luca was named one of five finalists in his category, which is given for demonstrating excellence in the field of arts and creative production.

Luca has also attracted attention from overseas. American rock music drummer Mike Dupke, who was a member of W.A.S.P. and has played with such luminaries as John Mellencamp, is now mentoring Luca. This makes Luca his first-ever Australian student! What an outstanding start to what I am sure will be a long and creatively fulfilling career.

Congratulations to Luca on his nomination, and I wish him all the best.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!