Tuesday, 16 June 2026

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:40): It was an absolute joy to attend the Lynbrook Residents Association community celebration dinner last week. This was a really special event that celebrated the community’s successful David-and-Goliath fight against the proposed waste transfer facility in Hampton Park. The evening was wonderful as everyone came together to reflect, to celebrate and to reconnect. Stopping a disruptive and harmful waste transfer facility for nine councils with their toxic waste literally being in people’s backyards in the Narre Warren South electorate was a team effort, and it was a privilege to be acknowledged as someone who, from the very beginning, stood up and fought with my community. However, there are some other key players that dedicated a great deal of their time and effort and who ultimately played a pivotal role in our success. These people were Vernadette Dickson – we call her our local Erin Brockovich – who received the community award for her efforts; Annette Samuel, our former Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South; Scott Watson, president of the Lynbrook Residents Association; Anthony Tassone from the Casey ratepayers association; Jason Wood, the local, not the MP; Ray; Cr Lynette; Sue from the Hampton Park residents association; and many other people who I may have missed. I want to thank them all for their sacrifice and dedication, and I congratulate the community on this fantastic outcome.