Tuesday, 20 June 2023

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (13:24): Primary school students have been holding their parents hostage at home for far too long, and that is why I am really grateful to the Parents Battle of the Bands, which is a registered charity and music festival that promotes mental health and music education and supports music venues, because it is getting parents out and doing what they should be doing – reliving what it was like 20 years ago. It is really, really fantastic for babysitters as well. The recent southside and northside battles saw 12 parents bands battling it out in front of sold-out crowds at the Prince Bandroom and the Northcote Social Club. All the money raised goes to the music programs of those competing primary schools. They have been doing this since 2018, and it is only getting bigger and better. I understand there is going to be a westside battle down the track at some stage and an eastside battle as well. I would sincerely like to thank the founder and CEO Anna Vermooten, her chief operating officer Dagmar Yeaman, the board, the bands, the venues, the parents, music lovers and even the kids as well for what is a truly great community event.