This year has been a challenge; there is no doubt about that. I say to all Victorians: merry Christmas; you have earned it. I do not think anyone will be taking for granted the time we get to spend with our families and our friends this year.

This is the time of year for us all to come together. So I would like to thank in advance all those charitable organisations who spend their holiday season looking out for others less fortunate than themselves. In my electorate we are lucky to have so many compassionate and giving people who truly embrace what it means to be a community.

We have Berry Street, a family violence organisation that this Christmas will be donating gifts to Victorian children in foster, residential and kinship care.

I say thank you.

There is the Uniting Church, who are accepting donations of toys, non-perishable food and e-gift cards to give to families in need this Christmas.

I say thank you.

Hundreds of Salvation Army volunteers will spend their Christmas Day dishing up meals and providing food hampers to those in need.

I say thank you.

There are also the Vinnies Christmas appeal, gift wrapping volunteers and then of course all of those healthcare workers who will be generously spending their Christmas Day working in our hospitals looking after Victorians.

I say thank you.

Please drive safely on our roads this holiday season, look out for others and stay safe.

Members Statement – Christmas

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