Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Western Victoria Region

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:54): (884) My constituency question is for the Minister for Education, and it concerns the fabulous volunteering work done by my constituent Tim Gibson. Mr Gibson is retired and became frustrated at the behaviour of some young people in his community. Instead of just complaining, he decided to do something. He now spends an hour each week in Moolap Primary School listening to and assisting learning in grade 1 and 2 classes. This is possible because of work of EdConnect Australia, which recruits and trains skilled volunteers to provide life-changing mentoring and learning support. It truly connects communities and connects generations, often providing much-needed older male role models in schools. Government spending is at its best when it harnesses the effort of committed volunteers, not creating new professional paid bureaucracies. Minister, will you the commit to providing funding to expand the enabling role EdConnect plays in Victorian schools?