Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown)— Charlestown's local community centre, The Place Charlestown, has always been an amazing resource for locals.

On Friday, 20 May, the Place hosted the Hunter's biggest children and family expo, the aptly named You're Kidding Me Expo. The Expo was designed to improve accessibility to health, education and family services for kids by connecting families to valuable information about local services that support the learning and development of young children.

The day included free 15-minute workshops, car safety checks, a reptile show and more, with families able to access over fifty valuable services and resources. Amongst the many activities and services present on the day was face-painting with Tiny Tutu's; a Petting Zoo facilitated by Penny's Ponies; a visit from Nurse Penny of Sick Happens; local doulas from Newcastle Birth Movement; sustainable and natural baby products from Simply Made By Eliza, Timbernook and Itty Bitty; and Yoga for Mumma.

Parents were also connected with important early childhood services, such as child care options, child therapists including speech and occupational therapists, specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, and even a Q&A with sleep expert Natalie Ebrill. A huge thanks to the Place and all the experts involved!

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!