Watch the video here.

Our government’s investment in our community is really an investment in the wonderful Bellarine people. Bellarine has been successful in securing grants this year, which I know means a lot to my communities. Last month I was able to visit Headstart Early Learning Centre in Ocean Grove to congratulate them on receiving a grant to support their bush kinder program. Woodlands House Childcare and Lonsdale House Childcare were also successful recipients of the grant, providing a number of opportunities for kids on the Bellarine to explore their natural environment.

I also recently visited two bowls clubs with updated facilities. Barwon Heads Bowling Club have recently opened their brand new clubrooms, and the St Leonards Bowling Club have beautifully renovated their clubrooms with a new deck, shed and bathroom facilities. The club and community love it, and I must say it is a great place for a Friday night meal and a raffle as well.

I would also like to congratulate the following clubs on receiving support through the sports club grant program: Bellarine Bears Baseball Club, Indented Head Yacht Club, Point Lonsdale Bowls Club, Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club and the Drysdale Badminton Club. I am very proud to be delivering for communities on the Bellarine and look forward to continuing my advocacy throughout the year.

International Women’s Day is on Friday, and I am very excited to invite a young woman, Bel, to come to Parliament tomorrow with her mum to celebrate International Women’s Day. Bel is a passionate young woman who has created change and is doing remarkable work in her community as a First Nations woman.