Wednesday, 8 March 2023

 Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:55): Everyone knows how passionate I am about Noble Park. That is why I was so proud on Saturday when the community came together in huge numbers for Noble Park Community Fun Day to enjoy the glorious weather while celebrating Noble Park’s long and proud history, its diversity and everything that makes it such a wonderful place. As someone who grew up in Noble Park, went to school there and proudly calls it home, it filled me with joy to see Noble Park skate park and the Ross Reserve area packed with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds enjoying the loads of activities and entertainment at this free, family-friendly event. The abundance of community spirit on the day made me optimistic about what else we as a community can achieve together. I believe that Noble Park’s biggest strength is and always will be its people and the diversity of our community, and this event brought our community together to celebrate that which unites us, to encourage new connections and to help our communities thrive.

It is our second major annual community event in Noble Park, following the Big Day Out last year. The success of these two events demonstrates the wonderful vision, creativity and organisational skills that the youth of Noble Park have, and it is so exciting to see them stepping into leadership roles in their community. I would like to thank the Noble Park suburban revitalisation board for supporting this initiative with funds from the Victorian government, as well as the City of Greater Dandenong, who not only contributed financially but worked tirelessly in partnership with the Noble Park youth committee, FReeZA and the youth and family services team to make this event the success that it was. Also, I give a shout-out to all the performers, stallholders, service providers, local businesses and volunteers who helped support and make this day so special and memorable. I look forward to an even bigger and better event next year showcasing Noble Park and how proud we all are of it.