Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Melton electorate events

Steve McGHIE (Melton) (12:52): The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of events. Welcoming Minister Erdogan to the new African Youth Initiative office was a highlight, showcasing AYI’s impactful work in creating safe spaces for Victorian African youth. AYI’s latest accomplishment, the Reclaimed Voices film, is nothing short of extraordinary. The minister and I had the honour of viewing a snippet of this film, and its significance cannot be overstated. The film is a powerful platform for Victoria’s African community to share their experiences and struggles, reclaiming their narrative in their own words. It is a must-watch for everyone in the broader Victorian community. I commend all those involved in bringing this project to life and congratulate AYI on their achievements.

It was also a pleasure to reconnect with the dedicated team at the Centre for Multicultural Youth alongside the minister as we discussed their vital work with the South Sudanese community, hearing directly from their new lived-experience mentors. It was empowering to hear the impactful ways they are helping re-engage those who have felt disconnected from society, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

As Melton continues to be the fastest growing municipality, with more families choosing it as their home, the need for parks and open spaces has never been greater. We officially opened the Black Knight Way Reserve and saw the impressive, accessible and adventurous play equipment designed to inspire fun and discovery. I even had a chance to try out the flying fox – it held my weight, unbelievably – which definitely delivers the fun factor.

The Edmund Rice community program wrapped up an incredible initiative designed to promote safer communities. I congratulate them.

And last Friday I went down to Binap Primary School.