Thursday, 6 March 2025

 Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (17:23): (1054) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Community Sport, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me in the electorate. The minister is very familiar with the mighty Upfield Soccer Club, one of the largest and most multicultural in Victoria and a place where many refugees and new arrivals have found a safe and welcoming space. It also prides itself on being affordable for local families and welcoming for people with disabilities, and it has played a vital role in promoting the recreational, social and physical development of children and adults of all skill levels and abilities in a safe and supportive environment. Thanks to the incredible work and the dedication of the volunteers at the club, led by the indomitable Wally Hanna, the club has experienced strong growth and has kids on waiting lists for the opportunity to play sport. The minister and I have been working with Hume council on plans for upgrades of the sporting fields and facilities to better meet their needs now and into the future, and I ask her to join me in a meeting with them and representatives from Hume City Council to discuss the progress of these plans. We know that local sport brings communities and families together, gives people an opportunity to be active and make friends and teaches kids important life skills like teamwork and resilience.

I would also like the minister to join me in a visit to JP Fawkner Reserve in Oak Park. The fantastic Oak Park footy club and Oak Park Cricket Club are growing from strength to strength and bursting at the seams. They have been advocating for improved lights at the ground for many years, and I was so proud to be able to secure an election commitment of $650,000 from the state Labor government for the installation of competition-grade lighting. The lights will allow for extended oval usage, enabling more games and training to increase participation of both males and females, juniors and seniors, and they are nearly ready to switch on. I invite the minister to see the huge difference this investment from our Labor state government will make to my community.

Finally, I would love the minister to join me in a visit to the amazing Dallas Neighbourhood House, where so many people come to socialise, to learn things, to access support and to connect to services and get the help they need in a tailored and responsive way. They also run a well-utilised and growing food parcel program. The recent $45,000 funding boost through the Labor government’s food relief program will enable them to upgrade the kitchen and storage and expand food purchasing and transport for additional parcels to meet mobility, dietary and cultural needs, as well as providing an additional weekly community meal. People always comment on how welcome, valued and supported they feel when they visit Dallas Neighbourhood House. I thank the dynamic and hardworking Leanne and all her wonderful staff and the dedicated volunteers and board members for their vision and commitment.