Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham) (10:20): I rise to reflect on several events that have happened that demonstrate the government’s ongoing commitment to the safety and empowerment of girls across Victoria. It was an absolute honour to attend the Women Deliver conference along with 6000 women from across the world here in Melbourne, joining global leaders to advocate for gender equality and the rights of women and girls. When we invest in women, we strengthen families, communities and entire societies. Since the conference’s conclusion organisers have announced that the Melbourne conference provided US$190 million in new and renewed funding for gender equity initiatives around the world, such as for the prevention of family violence. I also joined many in our community and many from this place at a candlelit vigil for National Family Violence Memorial Day, held here at Parliament, hosted by Safe Steps. I thank the staff and leadership at Safe Steps for putting on an amazing event. We heard powerful stories from survivors and family members who bravely shared their heartbreak, resilience and hope. I thank the many speakers who were so brave to get up and tell their stories. I am also pleased to have attended the launch of Safer Together, the first network of community leaders who are putting safe spaces in public places, and we launched the first one in the Docklands precinct.