Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Nina TAYLOR (Albert Park) (12:34): The Port Phillip EcoCentre is a not-for-profit, community-led environmental group that provides a base for affiliate groups involved in activities that promote biodiversity, environmental sustainability and community action. The EcoCentre’s research, education, citizen science – a really unique citizen science lab, I should say – and practical action reaches 19,000 people per year across 160 suburbs of Melbourne. The EcoCentre’s teachers, scientists and community development staff have wideranging expertise in topics such as urban wildlife, climate change, plastics waste management, biodiversity, Port Phillip Bay, clean energy and sustainable living.

Recently I had the great pleasure of attending the official launch of the new building that they have had constructed, completely energy efficient and otherwise. I am proud to say that our Victorian government contributed $3.35 million, and the City of Port Phillip matched that to meet the full construction costs. They had an official community launch, which was really beautiful. We had the Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos there as well. It was really great to see everyone together fostering biodiversity and the environment in our area. It also fulfils another important element, and that is as a beautiful community hub, bringing the community together for the betterment of all.