Wednesday, 16 October 2024

 Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (10:11): I rise to celebrate two outstanding local organisations and highlight the incredible community spirit that they foster in the Dandenong Ranges foothills.

Firstly, I want to give a huge shout-out to Foothills Community Care, which recently achieved an extraordinary milestone at their Ferntree Gully location: 800 community meal nights. Since 2007 Foothills has been providing free meals to those in need while fostering a sense of belonging and connection. This service is more than just about feeding people; it is about bringing them together. Volunteers like Lynne, who has been baking desserts every fortnight for 17 years, embody the heart of this initiative. Local groups such as the CFA, the Rotary Club and schools also play a vital role, offering their support in the form of food, time and resources. Across their Ferntree Gully and Tecoma locations Foothills has provided, this year alone, more than 60,000 meals. One of its greatest achievements lies in creating a welcoming space for people to connect, share a meal and build community. To every person working at Foothills, from the staff to the army of volunteers, I say thank you for all that you have done and continue to do supporting those in need.

Secondly, I would like to shine a light on Halloween on the Green, returning for its fifth year on 27 ‍October at Ferny Creek Reserve. Organised by another great charitable organisation, the Philanthropic Collective, which is dedicated to supporting children, families and seniors doing it tough across the ridge line, this event is a day of affordable ghoulish fun for everyone and an environmentally conscious celebration with zero waste. Tickets are only $8 each. Come along, everyone.