Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Rachel WESTAWAY (Prahran) (13:27): Yesterday on Remembrance Day I had the privilege of visiting two vital community organisations that embody the spirit of service and connection we commemorate on 11 November. First I visited the Australian National Veterans Art Museum, which recently won a $4000 Australia Post community award. ANVAM provides veterans with a powerful space for self-expression – for doing poetry, for painting, for sculptures and much, much more. What makes ANVAM exceptional is their whole-of-life approach, engaging veterans early in their careers and during transition and equipping them with tools that promote validation, identity and purpose. I met with Jo Brown; Kat Baldwin – Kat is actually currently serving in the navy; and Steve Cotterill. Their work is crucial because RSLs represent only 20 per cent of our veteran community. ANVAM fills this gap, supporting veterans who need alternative pathways to wellbeing. I also visited Prahran Place yesterday to receive hundreds of ‘Keep our doors open’ cards signed by locals. Neighbourhood Houses Victoria is calling for an $11.7 million funding increase to prevent the closure of 200 ‍neighbourhood houses across our state. Nearly half are in deficit after years of underfunding. Each week 185,000 Victorians rely on these centres for technology classes, creative programs and vital NDIS support.