Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Ministers statements: suburban revitalisation

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (12:05): Today I would like to provide an update on the suburban development revitalisation program. I am very pleased that this year’s state budget delivers another $9.7 million to continue the great work being done through the suburban revitalisation boards. Across Melbourne the suburban revitalisation program has invested more than $32 million in the last two years to deliver 185 projects, at a value of $88 million, in partnership with local governments, businesses and communities.

I was actually very pleased to join the chair of the Boronia Revitalisation Board, the member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor. We visited Bayswater community centre, where there is a breakfast program that is being financially supported by the Boronia Revitalisation Board. This provides hot meals five days a week for a number of people that are in need. It is led by fantastic staff from Knox Infolink. As I said, it was a privilege to be there and see this occur. It is making a huge difference to the people that are attending these breakfasts, where Knox Infolink are giving wraparound support. People are turning up for a hot breakfast, and Knox Infolink are actually linking people to other services. It has been a great outcome. I just want to say I am really proud that this particular revitalisation board decided to invest in this particular program. I am really proud of the chair of that board, Jackson Taylor. If anyone knows his background, they would understand why he drove this social outcome. He is a great member of Parliament, and as I said, I am proud that he initiated this particular program out of this board. That whole board should be acknowledged for it.