Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:49): I rise to speak about the fantastic day I had on Sunday at the Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival. I spent the day connecting with local residents, talking to families and hearing directly from them about what matters to the Mooroolbark community the most. A lot of people were keen to talk about the proposed upgrades to the Maroondah Highway and Yarra Road intersection, where public consultation for the planning phase will open shortly. It will make a real difference for locals who use that area each and every day. The entertainment at the festival kept the whole crowd moving, and we were completely entertained. From Zumba sessions and vibrant dance performances to the incredible live heavy metal bands from our local schools, the music was fantastic. The talent in this community never ceases to amaze me, and we were very privileged to be witness to it. I have to give a special shout-out to all the lovely doggos, the good boys and good girls who stopped by with their humans to say hello and to have a conversation with me. I know everyone who visited our stall left with some Terps merch and a smile and our fabulous shopping bags. It was a wonderful day, and I look forward to being back at the Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival again next year.