CareNet
Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:54): I rise to speak about the growing impact of the current cost-of-living crisis, which continues to put immense pressure on families across our state. No Victorian should be forced to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table. To help, I have established a small community food bank at my electorate office, in partnership with CareNet. The food bank provides pantry staples and is open Monday to Friday during business hours at my office, which is office 2, 9–11 Williamsons Road, Doncaster. For those who might be in urgent need overnight, a small pantry with essential items is also available at the front of my office. This initiative complements CareNet’s broader efforts across the North-Eastern Metropolitan region. Through the 2024–25 community food relief program local grants, CareNet received a $50,000 grant to restore food distribution services in Banyule while continuing to support Manningham and Nillumbik. CareNet received its initial payment of $37,500 in January 2025 and has since reopened referrals. It is now working with three partner providers to ensure those in need are connected with appropriate food relief services to assist residents in the North-Eastern Metropolitan region and beyond. I thank CareNet for its commitment to dignity, equity and practical support, and I reaffirm my belief that no Victorian should be left behind in this state of economic hardship.