South Morang Football Netball Club
Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (09:39): I am pleased to speak about the South Morang Football Netball Club, an outstanding local sports club in my electorate. With more than 700 members, the club continues to grow, particularly amongst its women’s teams. Recently they hosted a fantastic Ladies Day event which I attended, celebrating the contributions of women within the club and the broader community. The event featured Bernadene Voss, the CEO of Big Group Hug, as the special guest speaker. She shared the inspiring work her organisation does to support local families in need. Also in attendance were Jennifer Phefley, Northern Football Netball League general manager of football operations, Lauren Theodosis, Northern Football Netball League general manager of netball operations and Shanae Watson, a local contestant from The Voice. The club raised $2000 to support junior girls and senior women’s development and collected hundreds of donated items for Big Group Hug to assist young girls and women in need. I want to especially thank Jill Taylor, Marianne Grillo, Vanessa Nativo, Maxine Jolly and Stephanie Lansfield – just a few of the many incredible organisers and volunteers who made the day such a success. Looking ahead, the club will benefit from recent investments by the Allan Labor government, including $150,000 to upgrade kitchen facilities and $250,000, matched by the City of Whittlesea, for lighting upgrades at the west oval at Mill Park Lakes Recreation Reserve. Every year, the club becomes more inclusive and welcoming.