Wednesday, 18 October 2023

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (19:22): (390) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the attention of the Minister for Creative Industries and concerns the Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program. The action I seek is that the minister join me to visit creative practitioners in my electorate that will benefit from the funding towards the Emerging Artists Creative Hub in Casey. It was really fantastic to hear the recent announcement for funding for the City of Casey to adapt its Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall to create the Emerging Artists Creative Hub that will serve creatives in my electorate. The hub will provide dedicated spaces for collaboration, exhibitions and performances. I have seen so much talent in Narre Warren South with dedicated painters, writers, musicians and performers, not to mention the incredible work of the administration staff and volunteers who run the groups and put together the events. In short, the creative arts are an important part of our community.

Deputy Speaker, like you, I am a former professional musician, and also like you, I still on the odd occasion have a gig here or there. I know how much the arts can have an impact on someone’s life, whether they are a performer or a producer or whether they are in the audience or part of the wider industry. I look forward to the investment that this government is doing, building on the performances and exhibitions that are currently held at Bunjil Place. So to that end I will be really grateful for the minister to visit the creative practitioners in my electorate that will benefit from the funding of the Emerging Artists Creative Hub in Casey, and I know that our creative community will make the minister feel welcome.