Today I acknowledge an incredible win for people power with the commencement of construction on Local Park 22 in Austral. This important milestone belongs to the residents of Austral, whose tireless advocacy over many years has helped to turn a long overdue promise finally into a reality. For far too long, families in Austral have watched homes, roads and subdivisions appear around them while the parks that were promised to the community remained fenced off, delayed and unstarted. As one of the fastest growing communities in New South Wales, Austral residents have every right to expect basic infrastructure, such as parks, playgrounds and open space. Yet, year after year, Liverpool City Council has failed to deliver and failed to fulfil its promises.

For at least half a decade, I have stood publicly shoulder to shoulder with the residents while campaigning for more parks and open space in this suburb. During that time, I met with countless families who shared the same frustration. Their children had nowhere local to play. Parents were forced to decide whether to let them literally play in the street or get in the car and drive to another suburb where there were playgrounds. In other frustration, earlier this year I launched my Austral parks petition, which was signed by thousands of local residents who were demanding action and delivery from Liverpool City Council. The campaign quickly snowballed and attracted the attention of Channel 9 andThe Sydney Morning Herald. Their stories helped shine a spotlight on the inequity and lack of delivery in one of Sydney's fastest growing suburbs, with countless families having nowhere to take their children to play. Most importantly, it brought together a community that was determined to be heard.

Following the announcement that construction had finally commenced, my office was flooded with messages from excited residents. One resident who was building a home on Twelfth Avenue wrote to me saying, "My kids are very worried about a playground. Now, I have something to talk about." Another resident said, "Finally it is happening. We are so thankful and proud of your effort." Others wrote, "This is great news", "It's so exciting to finally get a park" and "Thank you for looking after the residents of Austral." These messages remind us that parks are not just pieces of infrastructure. They are places where children play, families gather, neighbours meet and communities are built.

I also thank and acknowledge the advocacy of the Federal member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley, MP, who has consistently advocated for better infrastructure in Austral. Through her advocacy effort, she was able to secure over $1 million in Federal funding for Local Park 22, as part of the Thriving Suburbs Program. Now I think it is fair to say that "Local Park 22" is not the most attractive of names. I note that at the next Liverpool City Council meeting newly elected councillor Zeli Munjiza will give notice of a motion to name Local Park 22 "Cywinski Park" in honour of long‑serving local GP, Dr Jerzy—or Jerry—Cywinski, who ran his practice in the shops just across the road from that very park. I support this move and acknowledge the efforts of former staff and patients who have proposed the name.

While construction commencing is very welcome news, we should not forget how long residents have had to wait. This outcome was not achieved because Liverpool City Council suddenly decided to act. It was achieved because local families organised, they spoke up, they signed petitions, they contacted their elected representatives and they refused to give up. Today is a victory for residents. However, our work is far from finished—one park down and many, many more to go. I will continue to work with the community to ensure these projects are delivered, and delivered very quickly.

I also take this opportunity to once again call on Liverpool City Council to urgently replace the playground equipment that was removed from WV Scott Memorial Park. Residents were promised an upgraded play space but, after the equipment was removed, local families were left waiting for a now long overdue upgraded replacement. Dates have been announced, dates have been delayed and then new dates have been announced. Austral residents have shown what can be achieved when community comes together and demands better. The commencement of Local Park 22 proves that community advocacy works. Let us keep the pressure on until every family in Austral has access to the parks and open space they deserve.