Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Wayne FARNHAM (Narracan) (09:49): I would love to give a big shout-out today to the organisers that held the Big Blokes BBQ last Friday in my electorate. Last year they raised an enormous $208,000, and this year they raised $310,000 for prostate cancer for men. They do not just do that. They gave $50,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, but they also support the following things: they funded all year 9 students in our catchment area to learn first aid; they support the Live4Life program; they provide blokes care packages through the West Gippsland Healthcare Group for patients doing it tough; and they also donated an additional $18,000 to the West Gippsland Hospital for vital medical equipment. This is a fantastic organisation, and they do so much. They support the West Gippsland suicide group as well. This year I would also like to thank Olivia’s Place, Warragul Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Drouin for helping out on the day. That is why my community is one of the best in Victoria – they all get behind each other.

And in another mention, if I may, I would also like to congratulate the Warragul and Drouin Gazette; Cr Ben Lucas from the Baw Baw shire; Mindfull Aus, Matt Runnalls from there; and Bettermentall’s Jason Rantall for organising a homeless sleep-out to raise awareness of homelessness in our area.