Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—I'd like to acknowledge the exciting arrival of Novatrials, a $5 million clinical trials facility set to open in Charlestown this August. This is a significant milestone for the region, bringing world-class medical research and new healthcare opportunities to our community. Novatrials will operate a phase 1 clinical trials facility, the first of its kind in Newcastle. It will include 31 inpatient beds, an on-site laboratory, pharmacy, infusion lounge, consulting rooms and an infectious disease room. The site will also support phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, testing new medicines and therapies with the potential to change lives. Importantly, Novatrials will provide early access to new treatments for patients in our region and help retain and attract top clinical researchers, scientists and industry partners. The facility is expected to create around 50 local jobs and support meaningful career pathways for graduates from the University of Newcastle and other institutions. This is an extremely important step forward for local healthcare, research and innovation. I look forward to seeing the impact Novatrials will have on our region and congratulate all those involved in bringing this project to life.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!