Wednesday, 22 February 2023

 Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (10:03): In my first speech to Parliament I outlined my aspiration as the new member for Pascoe Vale to first and foremost serve the whole community as best I can. In this respect it gives me great pleasure to update the house on the fact that we have not wasted a day in helping the people of Pascoe Vale, Coburg and parts of Brunswick West.

Along with assisting dozens of constituents who have already contacted my electorate office, I am also delighted to have supported a number of local events and organisations. Straight after the declaration of the polls by the Victorian Electoral Commission on 9 December I raced straight over to Coburg High School for my first official event, to present their student leadership badges and to talk about Labor’s record $17.8 million commitment to building a new tech hub – a stark contrast to the Kennett Liberal government demolishing the original school when I was growing up. Over December, January and February I had the privilege to attend numerous other events, including helping welcome over 300 new local citizens at Merri-bek citizenship ceremonies and speaking at the Presentation of Our Lord Coburg Greek festival. I visited numerous local groups, including the Vizzini Social Club, the Licodia Eubea Social Club and the Victorian Arabic Social Services club.

Last week I stood with the Premier and Minister Suleyman and colleagues as we committed $1 million for those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. I attended the official opening of the Islamic Community Milli Gorus grand Islamic mosque in Brunswick. I visited local sporting clubs, including Pascoe Vale soccer club, Brunswick Juventus, West Coburg Sports Club and the Nepalese football club Yeti FC.

On Friday 10 February I inspected the Merlynston station eastern car park to thank construction workers for their efforts and visit local residents impacted by the works, and last week I visited the Brentwood Kindergarten to donate a hamper in support of their fundraising drive. As the member for Pascoe Vale, I will remain committed to serving all residents.