Chris CREWTHER (Mornington) (09:48): I would like to thank our CFA, SES and other emergency services members, who have done such a terrific job over the last few months, whether fighting fires in Longwood, the Otways, Natimuk and Horsham or elsewhere across Victoria. Indeed I was extremely worried for my own parents and their neighbours in Horsham, with the fire getting quite close to them. In particular, in my electorate I would like to acknowledge and thank the Mount Martha, Mount Eliza, Moorooduc, Mornington and Baxter CFAs, who service parts of my electorate of Mornington, along with the SES Hastings unit. Not only do they look after our area and other incidents, but they go out of their way to support tackling fires and other emergencies across Victoria. I know that units such as Mount Martha and others sent units and personnel to fires across our state.
Not only are they fighting bushfires, they also kept our children happy, bringing Santa around over the Christmas period. I know that my own kids bumped into them while having dinner at Volpino in Mount Martha and again when checking out the amazing Frances Drive Christmas lights, along with the Florence Street lights. I would also like to acknowledge Matt Baker, who won Victoria’s best Christmas lights just down the road from where I live.
It is so important at this time to acknowledge our emergency services, acknowledge that community spirit and acknowledge all volunteers across Victoria.