Thursday, 20 November 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (09:43): I rise to celebrate the incredible creativity of young people across Geelong who are helping to bring colour and joy to the biggest health infrastructure investment our region has ever seen: the new $500 million Barwon women’s and children’s hospital, thanks to the state Labor government. We recently asked local primary school students to draw what makes them happy when they are feeling unwell. From the many entries received, 16 were selected and their beautiful artwork now lines the hospital’s entrance, greeting workers and passers-by with warmth, hope and a burst of colour. Recently I joined my Geelong regional MP colleagues Christine Couzens, Alison Marchant and Ella George, along with Barwon Health CEO Frances Diver and chair Lisa Neville, teachers, families and of course our talented young artists to celebrate them at the Geelong Regional Library. Their insights were as special as their drawings. Gracie from Torquay College told us that she was excited because her artwork will be there for years, and Catherine shared that she hoped that her drawing would make others feel good when they see it. These young artists have captivated and captured exactly what this project is all about: care, community and creating a hospital that truly puts children and families at its heart. The Allan Labor government know this, and that is why we continue to heavily invest in what really matters in the Geelong region.