Tuesday, 3 February 2026

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (20:25): I would like to dedicate my members statement today to my constituents who have been affected by the January fires in the north-east and also every other Victorian and interstate individual who has travelled to help during this devastating time. Over the past few weeks I have witnessed the most incredible displays of community spirit and volunteering, so much so that it overwhelms me with such pride and admiration that I have to fight back tears each time I enter the fire zones. You would think that after three weeks of seeing communities of such outstanding Victorians rallying together during this time of devastation I would become a little desensitised to it, but no. I cannot get a grip on how proud I am to be the representative of these people, many of them who have lost everything still demonstrating such strength, kindness and positivity in this time. That is the very reason why I wake up each day so grateful to be a part of these communities and to have my children growing up amongst them. We truly are the greatest nation on earth, and I have the cream of the crop right here in Northern Victoria.