Thursday, 22 February 2024

Berwick Church of Christ

Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:54): I want to take a moment to speak about compassion, community care and doing what is right for our Victorian families, seniors and young people. On the weekend Berwick Church of Christ held their annual fundraiser, initiated and led by their youth group of approximately 200 young people from the local area. Congratulations on your continued support for our local community and for making a positive difference in the lives of our youth. Like many of our local churches in the south-east, Berwick Church of Christ provides a food pantry to the many people in need in the wider local community, and it provides several supportive daily playgroups for young families. Local charities throughout the south-east and surrounding areas provide support and care to senior citizens, single-parent families, disadvantaged families and families whose businesses have gone or are currently going or are under duress due to the heavy taxes and excessive WorkCover premiums imposed on them by this current government. Many of these charities operate from Christian churches, including the well-known Salvation Army. Threats of charitable land taxes and other taxes are hurting the caring Victorians who love and help others. I want to shout out to all of you and also to the Sikhs and Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and other communities that are doing great work in our community. Please contact me if you would like me to come and visit you.