Tuesday, 28 October 2025

 Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (13:11): I wish to recognise some truly remarkable achievements throughout the Mildura electorate recently.

Last weekend my team and I attended the final Pink Ball, a beloved Sunraysia institution that over 17 ‍years has raised an extraordinary $920,000 for Sunraysia Cancer Resources, including an incredible $90,000 this year alone. The event has not only raised funds but brought our community together in strength, compassion and generosity. I have a couple of staff members who have been on that committee for several years, and they are extraordinary people. To Deb Chandler and her pink army, the organisers, the sponsors and the supporters, thank you for turning pink into power for local cancer support.

Congratulations to Mildura Senior College principal Belinda Hudak on her nomination for the Colin Simpson Outstanding Secondary Principal Award. Belinda leads with integrity and vision, fostering inclusion, empowering her leadership team and ensuring every student feels connected and supported. Her leadership has lifted student engagement and wellbeing beyond state averages, and through her roles as vice-president of the Victorian Association of State Secondary School Principals and Mallee chair, she continues to champion regional education at the highest level.

A sincere thankyou also to the CFA volunteers who responded to last week’s fire at the historic Minapre pub in Lascelles – another reminder of the selflessness and dedication that defines country Victoria and our CFA volunteers.

Also, best of luck to stepson Brooklyn, doing year 12 exams today.