Jagajaga Community Volunteer Awards
Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:52): It was my pleasure recently to attend the 2024 Jagajaga Community Volunteer Awards hosted by my hardworking federal colleague the member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites MP. It was a true honour to recognise so many people who have worked so hard to make their local communities better places in which to live – people like Chris Hall, who has actively volunteered for countless groups in the Greensborough area over the years, including sporting clubs, schools, the local war memorial park and All Saints Anglican Church. Also recognised was Steve Hart for his years of work as secretary of Neighbourhood Watch in the Watsonia North and Greensborough areas and other amazing community volunteers like Rod Ferris and Meri Ivanovska, who have done so much to support the Rotary Club of Bundoora by running so many events over the years and supporting the club’s operations, and also Bill Price from the Bundoora Football Club.
I would also like to take some time to recognise Kerryn and Stephen Longmuir. Over the last 39 years Kerryn and Stephen have provided care and love for more than 400 children as foster carers, influencing, loving and nurturing so many lives. In recognition of her work Kerryn was one of four finalists for the Victorian Australian of the Year 2024, specifically in the Local Hero of the Year category. I would like to thank every single one of the award recipients for all their contributions to my local community.