Tuesday, 18 November 2025

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (12:51): It is a joy to welcome the students of Nagambie Primary School into Parliament today and into the gallery. They have arrived full of energy –

The SPEAKER: It is not appropriate for members to acknowledge the gallery, member for Euroa.

Annabelle CLEELAND: Okay. Honesty and, as we all know, the truth often come from the mouths of our children. The students did not come just for a tour, they came with a mission to advocate for their community. Savannah and Bella told me that Nagambie needs more public toilets immediately. One block cannot hygienically serve the entire tourist town, and they describe the current block as dirtier than a garbage bin, with toilet paper thinner than the white sheets on their beds. But the message I heard the loudest was about our roads. Harry and Cooper warned that the potholes from Nagambie to Shepparton are breaking tyres and putting lives at risk. Darby told me drivers are swerving into oncoming lanes in the Goulburn Valley Highway just to avoid the craters. He asked me to imagine risking your life every day just to get to school.

Lake Nagambie was another big theme. Sarah made a great case for a rope swing so local kids can have a simple, affordable way to enjoy summer. Zivan and Archie called for more native fish, explaining that catching a cod right now is about as likely as surviving on the moon without a spacesuit. Aidan added that restoring the lake’s health would bring joy back to the families and boost tourism at the same time.

Sporting facilities were front and centre too. Harper told me they need proper soccer infrastructure because kids deserve a place that keeps them happy. These young people have presented their case with heart and real responsibility for their town.