MARK O'TOOLE

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown) — Early in May, the Jolliffe family of Kotara experienced every family's worst nightmare when a fire devastated their home. Ray Jolliffe, his wife Gail and their granddaughter Sienna, along with their dogs Jasper and Nelson, escaped the blaze, thanks in large part to the heroism of neighbour Mark O'Toole. In a touching tribute published in the Newcastle Herald, Ray recalled how Mark ran into the blaze to help him to safety. Despite the risks to his own safety, Mark ran in to help his neighbour in the direst of circumstances. I applaud his bravery. Mark wasn't the only hero that night—Ray also thanked neighbours who kept Gail and Sienna safe, as well as medical professionals and the many emergency services personnel who attended. This outpouring of support has been carried on by neighbours, friends, even strangers—all people who have reached out to help a family in crisis. I would like to add my thanks to Mark and the others who helped that night, and offer the Joliffe family my heartfelt condolences. I am so proud and humbled by my community—a community which can always be counted on to come together in the worst of times.

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!