Festivals, award ceremonies, the official launch of Carevan and my Meet the MP initiative made this weekend one of the busiest so far.

The best thing about it was meeting members of the community, who work around the clock to support their neighbours, friends, families and strangers.

It started with good music and great vibes at the Regional Disability Advocacy Service Dance Party.

The celebration came ahead of the International Day of People with a Disability on December 3.

After hearing about the great work of the advocacy groups across town, I was inspired to pledge support to the relaunch of their Stand By Me campaign.

Fortunately, (for the other guests) I was unable to take to the dance floor.

I arrived at Cork n Fork Festival soon after, where I was honoured to take part in the official launch of Carevan.

We’ve seen what the service can do in other areas like Albury and Griffith. I can’t wait to see what it can do here in Wagga.

I congratulate the committee, local businesses like Thomas Bros and everyone who has donated to the cause thus far, helping to put the Dining with Dignity program’s wheels in motion.

I’ve already signed up to volunteer and I encourage anyone with resources or time to jump on board too.

Through connection, conversation and kindness, we can keep helping each other and build up our community.

That night I was honoured to meet and present awards to a group of volunteers from the NSW SES in Wagga, as part of the unit’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

These men and women are out patching roofs and cutting down trees when it’s bucketing down rain, storming and generally unpleasant. I just think that’s great.