Edithvale Primary School
Mr RICHARDSON (Mordialloc) (10:02): I want to give a big shout-out to Edithvale Primary School and the wonderful campaign that they have initiated to support people experiencing homelessness. It has been about five years since Edithvale Primary School came together with an initiative to support others in need and some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They do a non-perishable food drive but also a bake-off of hundreds, if not, some might say, thousands of cupcakes that they sell amongst the school community—some of the best varieties going. It shows the values and support of our students and our community under the leadership of principal James Whitla and that care, comfort, nurture and compassion in the Kingston community. This is a great example of supporting others in need. I have committed to about 100 cupcakes. I do not know if I will eat all of them at once—after five years you can probably see that I have trained off a bit—when I have to consume some of the cupcakes that come from Edithvale Primary School. A big shout-out to the Smith family. They are a wonderful family who do all the baking and all the effort, so we really appreciate all the work that they do. The funds raised go to important causes like the Chelsea Community Church of Christ, who do a great job connecting people—social interaction with others. Social inclusion is so important for people who experience loneliness or isolation, and that is what this funding is all about—supporting people to connect. It is supporting people who need that extra comfort and care, and it is a great initiative by Edithvale Primary School.