Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland) (15:29): Knowing this week is National Volunteer Week and next week is National Palliative Care Week, I recognise the fantastic work of Maitland volunteers supporting our palliative care patients and their families. The theme of National Palliative Care Week this year is "Palliative Care: It's Your Right". It seeks to raise awareness about the rights of all Australians to access high-quality palliative care when and where they need it. It also strives to broaden the community's perceptions, understanding and appreciation of palliative care, demonstrating its role of supporting the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of thousands of people. It is an important message in my electorate. Established in 1986, Friends of Palliative Care in Maitland raises funds to support individuals, their families and carers in the Maitland, Dungog, Singleton, Cessnock and surrounding areas. I also acknowledge the many volunteers with Volunteers for Palliative Care, which has been operating for 25 years, providing care, respite, transport and other hands-on support for patients in Maitland and surrounding areas.