Wednesday, 29 November 2023

 Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:53): (602) I join with my colleague in the other place David Hodgett. He raised an issue for the Minister for Health some time ago, I understand, from a constituent that has written to Mr Hodgett, but he also made me aware of this: the information kiosk at the Maroondah Hospital, which had a 45-year history in my local district of Ringwood, was closed – abruptly, one might say. I am keen to understand from the minister why this has occurred. That kiosk was staffed by very many volunteers over very many years. They provided quality food and handmade crafts, but more importantly, they also provided a listening ear. As you would understand, President, that is terribly important for those who are using the hospital, the children that attend the hospital and the local residents that attend the hospital, not only from Ringwood but also from Croydon, from Warrandyte and from further afield. It would be great to know whether in fact there was good reason for this or whether in fact we could see the re-emergence of that kiosk, as it performs an important public service.