Thursday, 4 December 2025

 Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (09:56): Congratulations to Thi Mai Tran, 2025 Person of the Year in our local community awards.

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Cô Mai is a respected community member in the Richmond public housing estate, and she has shown courage and determination in supporting her neighbours facing forced eviction. She has kept them informed and united, sharing updates in both English and Vietnamese so older residents know their rights. Cô Mai helped organise workshops so residents could participate in the public housing inquiry. She appeared before the inquiry herself to speak about the strength of her community and the importance of public housing to her. In her 80s, Cô Mai continues to be a fierce advocate for her neighbours, reducing fear and fostering resilience during a time of enormous upheaval.

Congratulations also to the community grocers Richmond market, awarded Community Initiative of the Year. Located on the Richmond estate, it provides fresh, affordable, culturally inclusive produce. I was there to launch it earlier this year, and I cannot speak highly enough of this small but important initiative to connect people to promote wellbeing and food security. Unfortunately their government funding was not renewed last year, and so I urge the government to fund this important health, social and equality initiative in next year’s budget. Congratulations also to Queer Muslim Naarm, recognised for their contribution to diversity and inclusion. Their queer iftar is an incredibly cherished celebration of faith, of culture and of queer identity.