Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (10:45): As we come close to the end of the year I would like to take a moment to thank the people of the Bellarine. Their willingness to engage with me on issues that matter the most, from local infrastructure to community safety, education, transport and health, is what drives my work every day. I think the Bellarine know that I am someone who likes to get things done, and I am solution focused and work hard behind the scenes, listening, advocating and delivering on those services and infrastructure that our community deserves, and this year we have made some incredible progress. We have delivered upgrades to local schools, improved roads on the Bellarine Highway, pedestrian safety in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads roundabouts, and we have backed our health service, including one of the biggest investments we have seen in our Geelong region with the women’s and children’s hospital now under construction. We continue to invest in projects to strengthen our local towns. We have started the North Bellarine indoor aquatic centre, and we are boosting our tourism, our small businesses and protecting our unique environment. These are not headline moments; they are meaningful improvements that make everyday life on the Bellarine better for all our communities.
I want to thank local organisations and volunteers, first responders, teachers, nurses, small businesses, clubs and individuals who give so much of themselves to making the Bellarine such a strong and caring place to live. I also want to take a quick moment to thank my electorate office staff, who do an incredible job of assisting constituents with such care and compassion. They are very much valued, and I could not do the job without them. I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and safe summer on the Bellarine.