Thursday, 4 December 2025

 Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services) (09:46): I rise to acknowledge the outstanding success over nine years of the Gisborne Men’s Shed Young Shedmen program delivered in partnership with Gisborne Secondary College. After a year of dedication, Jake, Luka, Mal and Hamish have officially graduated as young shedmen, and it was my delight to be able to join them at this celebration. This initiative provides young people with the opportunity to develop practical skills, teamwork and confidence, all while working side by side with the wise and welcoming mentors at the Gisborne Men’s Shed. It was clear how much this experience has meant to each of the students. Luka showed me all of the men’s shed’s facilities on behalf of the group and explained the impact that the program had had on him. With family, friends and mentors looking on proudly, the young shedmen spoke of the lessons they have learned, the friendships they have made and the pride that they feel in their own progress. These young people leave the program with new skills, valuable life lessons, their own toolkits and even a beautifully crafted chopping board to show for it. My warmest congratulations to Jake, Luka, Mal and Hamish; to shedders Jason Azzopardi and Gunther Behrendt; and to everyone involved in making this fantastic program possible.