Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Minister for Health Infrastructure) (10:21): Last weekend was action packed, starting with an on-country event hosted by the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. Allies of the new message tree gathered to share stories of the history of the Yalukit Willam clan of the Bunurong nation, traditional custodians of the area that the Williamstown electorate is part of. I was so honoured to meet William Briggs. He is a direct descendant of Louisa Briggs, who shared with us his magical stories of Koort Boork Boork, the meeting place of the Bunurong people. Thank you to Rosa McKenna and Reconciliation Victoria and all involved in making the day so very meaningful.

From there it was off to a baseball match with the Japanese uni students, hosted by the mighty Newport Rams Baseball Club. Then I went on to the final night of the Substation art sale. Well done to Nuala and the board for hosting such a special event. I am truly blessed with two amazing lifesaving clubs in the electorate. Sunday saw Bronny and Veronica, organisers of the Williamstown Starfish Nippers, celebrating International Day of People with Disability. It was a wonderful event, making sure that people of all abilities have the chance to learn and experience the water. To round it off, it was Dog Day in Dog Town, organised by the Point Gellibrand Rotary Club. Despite the rain, the community came out in droves, dressing up their magnificent dogs to show them off to the community.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to wish everyone across the Williamstown electorate a safe and happy holiday season.