Thursday, 28 October 2021

 Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park—Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes) (09:42): I rise to inform the house of the Blessing of the Fleet event I recently attended virtually in the City of Whittlesea, which is the host of this event. It was an honour to take part in this poignant service and, Speaker, if I may be allowed I acknowledge your own closeness to this event and your own participation over the years. This annual service, which is dedicated to the remarkable women and men of our emergency services, signals the preparation for the commencement of the fire season. In doing so, the multifaith congregation calls for the protection and safe passage of emergency service crews, volunteers, their vehicles and equipment.

Our emergency services personnel keep our community safe each fire season. These personnel come from Fire Services Victoria, Victoria Police, the Victoria State Emergency Service, the Country Fire Authority and Ambulance Victoria. I am also proud of the role my ministry plays in this vital work in the protection of the local community through the people at Forest Fire Management Victoria, including Parks Victoria. This event is an important tradition which has continued now for more than 20 years. It is an important event where our diverse community bands together in strong unison.