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, a resident of Hampton Park; 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.