Tuesday, 7 June 2022

 Mr DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh) (12:58): It is a pleasure to rise and talk about two events that I attended last week that were very special to me. One was an exhibition that the organisation the Torch held at Glen Eira town hall in Caulfield. The Torch helps Indigenous Victorians who are either in prison or just out of prison but still within the criminal justice system to explore their artistic talents—and there are many artistic talents amongst that cohort. The exhibition of about 400 pieces, which finished on Sunday, was done by about 250 artists. Almost every painting and sculpture has been sold, and all the proceeds go to the artists; not one dollar is taken by the agency, Torch. It is an extraordinary organisation. The recidivism rates of Indigenous offenders that engage with the Torch is substantially lower than other Indigenous offenders. It is an incredible organisation led by Kent Morris, a fantastic leader, and an excellent board. I want to commend the Torch for the amazing work they do in the state of Victoria and have done for years.