Christine Langshaw

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—No one knows when the craft of knitting first originated although there is evidence dating back to ancient times. Throughout the ages people have knitted both alone and socially, and I'm pleased to say that one Lake Macquarie woman has used her skill to bring together not only loops of yarn but also like-minded people. Christine Langshaw from Wangi formed Wangi Library Knitting Group in 2012, enlisting the help of six women. The group now boasts 50 members. Christine moved to our area from Penrith and wanted to come up with a way to make friends, not only for herself, but also for other people in a similar situation. The group has gone on to do wonderful things. Each year members create thousands of knitted items which are donated to charities, organisations and causes such as Mission to Seafarers, the Anglican Church, Newcastle Hunter Homeless Connect Day and drought-affected families. It also holds fundraising stalls where proceeds are donated to charities. Christine's efforts were recently recognised when she was named as a finalist in the 2021 Lake Mac Volunteer of the Year award. I commend Christine's enduring community spirit.