Thursday, 31 October 2024

 Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (10:00): Last week I had the joy of visiting St Mary’s Primary School for the unveiling of their new tram, which was made possible thanks to the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund and all the money that had been raised by the local community. The $10,000 grant has been put towards an inclusive learning and play area and the revamped Melbourne tram. A real shout-out to school principal Sonia Riccardi for being the vision behind this.

Whilst talking about other people in my community, Marilyn Olliff, who has been the driving force behind the Hobsons Bay Wetland Centre, really needs to be commended. This not-for-profit community group is dedicated to connecting people with nature and preserving our natural wetlands within the Hobsons Bay area. The centre is supported by Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay Fund, which has contributed over $17.25 million in grants and keeps our iconic bay healthy.

In addition, I was out having a look at the new 1-kilometre walking and cycling path along Kororoit Creek, which stretches from Grieve Parade to Geelong Road, and that is now open. Geoff Mitchelmore is absolutely delighted to be able to see this.

Finally, I was down at Williamstown morgue, which has a long-running legacy in Hobsons Bay as the oldest surviving morgue in Melbourne. It too received a $150,000 grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, and Glenn Jones took me through to see this iconic part of Williamstown’s historic past.