Wednesday, 10 September 2025

 Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (10:04): This past week has been a reminder of just how strong and proud our communities are across the Mildura electorate. At Chaffey college I joined staff and students for their NAIDOC ceremony, which was a moment of pride and reflection. Kehan and all the students spoke so, so well and should be incredibly proud. At SMECC, the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council, I had the privilege of visiting their social supermarket, which is called Nourish Sunraysia. It is a place built not just on groceries on the shelves and produce but on dignity, where families can access affordable food, connect with services and feel supported through tough times. Well done to the board, Akesa, Mitch and the team of dedicated volunteers that run it. In Robinvale the joy was unmistakeable as we had the official opening of the new skate park and playground. Seeing kids of all ages, including my own and my mate Iggy Jukes, who played a pivotal part in the community consultation process, was proof that when we invest in youth spaces we invest in healthier, safer and more connected towns. Further south, I visited community groups and local businesses in Birchip and Culgoa, where I met with local communities to talk about roads, small business and the future of farming in these stressful times. As I continue to say in this place, our farmers feed not just our region but the whole state, the whole country and the whole world, and they deserve to know they will be backed through the challenging times now and into the future. Across my electorate, our community needs to be heard.