Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (13:20): This winter break has been very busy out in my electorate, where I have been meeting with community leaders and organisations. I met with Stacey and Kim from the St Kilda Gatehouse, who run the young women’s project. This program works with young women between the ages of 12 and 25 who are at risk of sexual exploitation. This is such important work. I also met with Pauline and Lydia from the Park Orchards community house. Not only do they offer child care but they also offer TAFE training courses, pre-accredited training and free art, craft and exercise workshops. I learned that many community members enrol in courses and enrol their children at the child care at the same time. These are wraparound services at their best. This past Friday I visited Box Hill Community Information and Support. This is a volunteer-led organisation that provides emergency relief to those in need. They provide groceries, supermarket vouchers, premade meals and bills assistance. I learned that when JobKeeper was in place last year, they had a reduced demand for their services. Since the commonwealth removed JobKeeper, demand has risen once again. These organisations are often not seen for the work they do, yet without them our community would be at a loss. Thank you for the selfless work you do.

Members Statement

This winter break we have been very busy out in the electorate meeting with community leaders and organisations.