Thursday, 30 November 2023

 Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (09:42): I want to join particularly my friend the Leader of the Opposition to thank all those in my electorate that have done such a wonderful job over the last 12 months: the volunteers that turn up to our fires, the ambulance officers in Beaconsfield who turn out to emergencies, the SES and those that are working at our neighbourhood houses, particularly down at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House. We want to wish them all a merry Christmas. Some of the things that our neighbourhood houses have done the Greens could learn a lot from. Neighbourhood houses are all about inclusivity, making sure every person in our community feels welcome and none of them are intimidated. We want to make sure that that is the community that we support and build. Whilst we do not always agree with what happens across the aisle here and we do not always get along with every decision that happens here, the one thing I will say is that we all agree on one thing: we have got so many people in our community who continuously give back.

I know the member for Mordialloc, who has got a smile on his face now, came from down my way as well. Berwick is one of the most wonderful places to live because of the people in our community. I also know the member for Pakenham has volunteered up at Upper Beaconsfield with the CFA. It is people in this house and it is people in our community that make it absolutely wonderful and a great place to live. To every single one of them out in my electorate – the schools, everyone – I want to say: have a fantastic Christmas. Please be safe on the roads this Christmas. It is so important, probably more important than ever. To the staff in my office, can I say: thank you very much for everything you have done to support my community and to make it a better place to live for everyone in the Berwick area.