Tuesday, 17 June 2025

 Meng Heang TAK (Clarinda) (19:24): (1190) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me to visit the South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Associations Council in Springvale South in my electorate. The South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Associations Council, SEMVAC as they are affectionately known, do so much for families across Clarinda and across the south-east suburbs, supporting locals with housing, finding work, health, medical services and so much more. They are an important asset to many of the families, and they provide an important place where people can come together. That is why I was very proud to see that this budget invests $80,000 to support SEMVAC’s work. It is a fantastic result for our local community, and the announcement was timely. It was actually leading to National Volunteer Week when I learned about this wonderful commitment, and it was a pleasure to join together with some of my colleagues at Burden Park with SEMVAC to celebrate their many volunteers.

SEMVAC is such a wonderful example of the power of volunteers and bringing people together and connecting community. We are so lucky to have so many of them in our community, and we are a stronger and happier community because of them, along with all the other amazing local community organisations that deliver services and foster community engagement, connection and belonging. Thank you to SEMVAC and to all our volunteer organisations for the incredible impact they have in building our thriving and inclusive community in Clarinda and across the south-east. Congratulations to Dr Kimson Vu, Cr Loi Truong, Cr Alice Phuong Le and all of SEMVAC’s amazing volunteers, who give so much of their time and energy to support our community and those that need assistance. SEMVAC plays a vital role in strengthening our community, supporting families, celebrating culture and providing essential services. Thank you to the minister. I am looking forward to hearing more on this important commitment.