Friday, 14 November 2025

 Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (10:27): I rise today to acknowledge the Watsonia Heights Football Club, an inclusive and successful community organisation that has been a cornerstone of local soccer since its founding in 1970 in my local community. This year marks the club’s 55th anniversary, an incredible milestone for a club that continues to thrive. Watsonia Heights is a true example of community spirit. In 2025 the club fielded 46 teams, including 39 junior teams, six senior men’s and women’s teams and an all-abilities team along with the ever-popular MiniRoos program for five- to seven-year-olds, which runs throughout the year. This success is driven by a passionate and hardworking group of volunteers. Full club president David Lattanzio has been involved for 10 years, senior teams president Michael Girdler for an outstanding 26 years, and junior teams president John Lettieri for over a decade. These leaders dedicate countless hours to ensuring everything in the club runs smoothly. Special mention must go to Ben Shearman, who created the Watsonia Cup, now in its third year. This year the tournament will see 61 junior teams from under-7s to under-13s compete across three nights a week for 10 weeks, showcasing incredible community engagement and participation. With around 20 committee members as well as dedicated coaches, assistant coaches and team managers, Watsonia Heights Football Club continues to embody the very best of grassroots sports, inclusion, commitment and community pride. Congratulations to all involved on 55 years of outstanding contribution to local sport.