A Private Members Statement delivered on 20 September, 2023, by the Member for Keira, the Hon. Ryan Park MP.
Mr RYAN PARK (Keira) (19:48): Today I recognise an important fund that is close to the hearts of many in my community. In November 2020 the Illawarra was shattered to learn of the loss of one of our own, 19‑year‑old Libby Ruge, who had her life cut short in deeply tragic circumstances. Libby has been described by many as someone who was incredibly kind, whether that was through a beaming smile in the hallway or a random act of kindness. To honour her legacy, Libby's parents, Julie Ruge and Julie Harrison, have founded the Libby Ruge Smile Fund. The fund pays tribute to Libby's ambition to study dentistry and her passion for improving people's health and confidence through restoring their smiles. After completing her HSC at the mighty Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, Libby began working as a dental assistant and was inspired by her colleagues, watching them firsthand transform the lives of those in need through better dental care.
Since taking on my role as Minister for Health, I have been deeply inspired by Libby's passion for helping others and her displays of kindness. Everyone not just in this place but across New South Wales should continue to practise kindness like Libby. The Libby Ruge Smile Fund was founded to provide young people who may be struggling financially with the opportunity to easily access the dental restoration work they need. The fund is dedicated to helping young people regain confidence in their smile, just like Libby did. To help raise awareness and funding for the foundation, her family started the organisation Bee Kind Like Libby in reference to the tattoo of a bee that Libby had on her ankle.
Recently Bee Kind Like Libby inspired the students of her former school, Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, to honour their classmate in a "Bee Kind" mural. Many local schools, businesses and media outlets have shown an overwhelming amount of support for the fund, which has stemmed from the advocacy of Libby's colleagues at Southern Dental Specialists and Implant Centre, My Dental Team at Shellharbour and Shell Cove Dental. Libby's family have asked me to extend special thanks to Dr Arun, Dr Dinesh and Dr Ahmed for their continued advocacy for the fund and their work furthering Libby's legacy.
The Libby Ruge Smile Fund is hosting its annual spring black tie fundraiser in Wollongong in October, and it will be an amazing opportunity for our community to continue to show support for the fund and for Libby's legacy. All funds raised from the ball will provide young people in need with access to the dental care they deserve. I take this opportunity to thank Libby's family and friends for their advocacy and acknowledge the incredible work of the Libby Ruge Smile Fund. Although Libby is, sadly, no longer with us, she will be remembered for her kindness and her legacy will continue to grow well into the future.
