Wednesday, 4 October 2023

 Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (09:39): I rise to acknowledge the great contributions that many citizens in Moonee Valley have made in the recent awards from the city council. I want to give a particular shout-out to Cathy Connop, who is Citizen of the Year. Cathy has been a bedrock of the Flemington community and runs the Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre. Cathy embodies everything that is good, everything that is decent. She is a champion for the local community, and I could not think of a more worthy recipient.

I want to acknowledge the fact that Jenny Nola’s contribution as the head of Save Moonee Ponds was also acknowledged and appreciated. Jenny is an outstanding local community representative. She is calm, she is methodical, she is thoughtful, she is considered. She has been a delight to work with in my time both as a candidate and as a member, and she really understands her community incredibly well.

To Sainab Sheikh from the Somali Women Development Association – I have got to know Sainab, and it is fitting that she too was acknowledged recently in the City of Moonee Valley spirit awards because Sainab has had a real focus on making sure that Somali Australians have a focus on their education. She has run homework clubs and she has been a tireless advocate because she really wants to make sure that Somali Australians have every opportunity to succeed.

A big shout-out to Sarah Dovey too, who established the community library at Napier Street, Strathmore. This is a fantastic local facility that citizens have used extensively, and it is a great contribution.

Finally, to Moonee Valley Sustainability, you guys are just fantastic. Thank you so much.