Wednesday, 9 September 2026

 Steve McGHIE (Melton) (09:41): As I reflect on my time as the member for Melton I want to recognise the many community and sporting groups I have worked alongside over the years and thank them for the enormous contribution they make to our community. Our heart, diabetes and prostate support groups; the Melton Men’s Group; Vietnam veterans and partners; the RSL; the Naval Association; Young Diggers; Probus; gardening clubs; environmental groups; Scouts and Guides; our community and education centres; performing arts; and our many multicultural communities are just some of the groups that bring people together and provide friendship, support and a sense of belonging. I also want to recognise organisations like the Vinnies soup van, Aspire and the Salvation Army Social Housing Service, who are there for people who are doing it tough. I am particularly proud of the work we have done together helping many people through housing applications and connecting them with the right support.

Of course our sporting clubs are just as important. There are far too many to name individually, and I have been proud to spend time with and support many of those clubs and sports across Melton over the years, from our biggest clubs to some of our smallest and more niche sports. I particularly want to acknowledge those smaller sports. Our community is rich and varied, and not everyone wants to play the same game. There should be a sport, a club and a place for everyone.

All these organisations do far more than provide activities. They create friendships, support people through difficult times and give people somewhere they belong. To every volunteer, coach, committee member and supporter, thank you for the opportunity of working together throughout my time as the member for Melton. Without our community groups and sporting clubs we would all be worse off, and I want to thank them all.