In Australia there are approximately 1.3 million people living with diagnosed diabetes. This represents about five per cent of the population, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. I recently attended a cricket match organised by the Sabeel-e-Mustafa Foundation in support of raising awareness around diabetes, particularly for those in South Asian communities. It's also to encourage people who are newly diagnosed to continue taking part in all parts of their life, especially sport. The match was organised to raise funds to support a diabetic hospital that is currently under construction in Pakistan. The rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm of organisers to still go on with the event.

I was joined on the day by state colleagues Charishma Kaliyanda, the member for Liverpool, and Nathan Hagarty, the member for Leppington. I enjoyed very much watching the member for Leppington being bowled out first ball, but he took to the pitch with a lot of confidence. I want to acknowledge all the organisers involved in putting the event together, particularly Dr Nalia for the generous sponsorship.

My community is better off for having people in it who care enough to put themselves out to raise awareness, promote healthy lifestyles and support those affected by diabetes. Congratulations, and thank you to all volunteers for organising the day, which seemed to be a really wonderful success. And a special shout-out to the umpire, who stood all day in the rain.

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