Wednesday, 14 August 2024

Sydenham electorate community organisations

Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Women) (10:12): Over the last few months in my electoral office I have met with some wonderful community organisations, and I want to highlight their outstanding work. Local resident Anbu Mohan, through Ondru, runs programs to empower communities by telling their stories through art and inspiring social change. I am really excited to be soon displaying some of their pieces of art in my electoral office window.

A huge thanks to Annette Vickery and her team at Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault for providing vital counselling, advocacy and education services across the west.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with Elizabeth Ingham and Mona Malouf from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, who are fostering a positive culture of change and community sports through their Good Sports program.

Additionally, Reclink have been a great support to constituents in my electorate with their weekly Afrobeat dance classes for Sydenham youth, which is just one example of the great work that they are doing to improve young people’s physical and mental wellbeing while fostering social inclusion.

Finally, in my meeting with LeadWest with Cr Sophie Ramsey from Melton City Council, Cr Peter Maynard from Wyndham and Hillary Hastings we discussed the need for strong advocacy for addressing the growing needs of the west, particularly improving transport connectivity. I look forward to future partnerships and continuing to support these fantastic organisations.