Tuesday, 14 October 2025

 Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (13:21): It has been busy in Northcote. At Bracken Creek I joined the Merri Creek Management Committee and Friends of Bracken Creek, where 14 of us collected 40 kilograms of litter in just a couple of hours – hands-on environmental care that makes a real difference to our local waterways. Alongside the members for Cooper and Preston, we held a community safety forum with Victoria Police and residents. Thank you to Acting Inspector Michael Pope and Senior Constable Peta Williams for leading a discussion around issues from graffiti to personal safety. On Oakover Road I welcomed new neighbours over coffee in a transformed precinct ‍– once 26 dilapidated houses, now 296 modern, energy-efficient homes and open spaces right on the Mernda. With the Minister for Climate Action, we kicked off more Solar for Apartments rebates in Alphington to cut bills and modernise home energy. While doorknocking, at meetings and at the drop-in session, I spoke with dozens of residents about proposed planning changes in Thornbury. Locals tell me we need more homes close to transport, but they want local nuance, and that is the detail I am taking back. I visited Thornbury High School with the Deputy Premier to see their outstanding STEAM building, built by our Labor government. At Melbourne Polytechnic in Preston with Minister Pearson, we saw the skills and jobs centre in action, delivering real pathways to employment. Local Pick My Park ideas have been released – a brilliant opportunity for local government to access state grants to improve our open spaces. And in huge news, Tweddle will deliver Northcote’s early parenting centre, bringing over 100 years of expertise to our community.