Wednesday, 31 August 2022

 Ms PULFORD (Western Victoria—Minister for Employment, Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Resources) (12:32): It is my delight to advise the house that the much-loved Chapel Street Festival will return. Earlier this month I announced a $450 000 investment to boost this iconic dining and shopping strip’s economy and community. The street festival will celebrate the unique character of the precinct, with areas showcasing fashion, art, music and food. It has been 20 years since the last festival, and the next iteration is planned for the second half of next year. State government funding will help cover the costs of running such a large-scale event—equipment hire, health and safety officers, permits, fees and traffic management among them.

Mr Davis, as members well know, gets it wrong from time to time—a matter for our discussion later in the day. Members would also remember that stage when the question time strategy was ‘Hey, will you meet with these people?’ or ‘Will you meet with those people?’, to which I always said, ‘Sure, you betcha I will’. So special thanks to the Shadow Treasurer for the introduction to my dear mates at the Chapel Street traders association. I can tell you all that, led by general manager Chrissie Maus and president Justin O’Donnell, the Chapel Street traders are a force to be reckoned with and a delight to work with.

If the launch event is anything to go by, we are in for a treat when the festival arrives. There was an appearance by exquisite drag queen Art Simone, party cannons and local artwork on display. Chrissie, Justin and their colleagues certainly know how to put on a show. I recommend Chapel Street to all traders. I think its best years lie ahead, and I think all members will find that the precinct is again flourishing. This festival will be some wonderful icing on that cake.