Bronwyn HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (10:14): The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria, has come to Lalor. Late last week I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural embroidery group gathering at the Lalor Library. It was very well attended by seasoned embroiders as well as novices like me. Local resident Jasmine McFarlane was the organiser of this great initiative with teachers or guides Heather McDougall and Susan Simonet. Heather is also the Embroidery Guild, Victoria, promotions convenor. I am sure the group will really take off, as we have many creatives in our area. Heather introduced the program, remarking that there is a huge need for embroiderers in the north, as most of the organisation is in the south. It was exciting to see an idea like this becoming a reality after starting with a conversation at the famous Whittlesea Show. Heather also introduced an amazing piece of embroidery to show us of Julia Gillard, our first female Prime Minister, with the words of her famous speech, ‘I will not be lectured about misogyny and sexism by this man.’ It was a great hit. I did tell Heather that this would make a fortune at an ALP fundraiser, but she was not going to part with it. Congratulations to organisers, and a big thankyou to Susan for her patience in guiding me through my first cross-stitch.