Wednesday, 4 March 2026

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn) (10:33): On Saturday evening Surrey Hills came alive for the 17th annual Surrey Hills Music Festival, proudly hosted by the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre as part of the Boroondara arts program. Every year this wonderful free family-friendly festival strengthens our connection to place and to one another. I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank the neighbourhood centre manager, the amazing Rochelle Anderson; the music festival committee; the performers and volunteers; and the many local families who turned out in force. We all danced in a genuine expression of the joy this event generates. I especially acknowledge Bob Stensholt, a former member for Burwood, for the support that Bendigo community bank provides to the festival, including a cheque for $11,000. Bendigo and all the other sponsors deserve our sincere thanks.