Thursday, 12 September 2024

 Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (10:18): For 50 years the Williamstown Community and Education Centre has been serving, supporting and informing our community. From its beginnings in 1974 in Williamstown North, the centre has expanded to include classes and services across three locations, including Spotswood and Altona North. The centre found a champion in former Premier, member for Williamstown and fellow Thompson Street resident Joan Kirner. Joan pushed for the centre to find its permanent home at 14 ‍Thompson Street, which is now known as the Joan Kirner house.

This is the heart of the organisation, where I was lucky enough to join the community celebrating its 50th birthday last week. The centre was full of memorabilia, as well as current and former staff, including centre manager Mark Brophy, former centre manager Jill Bilston and longstanding program coordinator Lynn Hewitt. I would like to thank current staff Lara and Talia, board president Sonja, all the board and all the staff for making the celebration a huge success. The centre is a home away from home for many attendees, with many being around for more than 15 years now. In the last year alone the centre has provided over 25,000 hours of training, and it plays a really valuable role for people across the western suburbs. Over the last 50 years the centre has grown significantly and plenty of positive stories have come out of it. I thank everyone involved and look forward to another 50 years.