Wednesday, 23 September 2026

 Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (10:38): I rise to express my gratitude to the people of Northcote. It is the greatest honour to represent the inner north, and it gives me heart to know I do not do it alone. Every day I fight for our community alongside the people, organisations, businesses, innovators and advocates who care deeply about our collective future. Together we have achieved remarkable things. Our public schools have undergone the biggest transformation in decades, with new classrooms, gyms, science hubs and performance halls giving kids more opportunities. A new Medicare clinic and a new mental health hub are making care fast and free. We are expanding the Austin and building a new early parenting centre to help families. Free specialist women’s health care is helping women be heard and treated. The Chandler is complete, the Bell Street boom gates are gone and PT is free for kids and teens.

I have championed practical climate action like restoration along our creeks, urban farming, neighbourhood batteries and more home solar to lower bills and emissions. There are new cycling connections – like the crucial Alphington link, on the cusp of completion – and accessible tram stops will improve High Street in Thornbury. New social housing is giving more people a safe and secure home. Iconic street festivals bring joy and connection. Free TAFE and free kinder are changing lives. We have upgraded sports fields, pavilions, parks and playgrounds.

I am proud to stand with our multicultural and multifaith communities to fight for landmark reforms to improve workers rights. Victoria now has a treaty with its First Peoples, shaped by decades of Aboriginal rights activism. This is the community that raised me. I love the inner north. I will keep listening, showing up and fighting for us with real action.