Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Queensland might have its footy; Victoria has its culture and Wangaratta is one of the shining jewels of Indi's crown. In the first week of November, the jazz festival becomes a mecca for music lovers right across Australia. So, colleagues, particularly from Queensland, make a diary date for 30 October to 2 November: spring in north-east Victoria; lazy days by the sparkling Ovens River; fine coffee, food and wine, and some of Australia's—in fact the world's—best music and blues musicians. Last year the Wangaratta jazz festival celebrated 25 years. In the House today, I would like to acknowledge the visionaries, Beverly Spiller, Greg Maddock and Patti Bullis OAM, for their vision and commitment. I would particularly also like to acknowledge current board members, led by the chair, Paul Squires, and the secretary, Tony Rumble. I would like to thank them for the great work they did. They hold the tradition close to their hearts. Over 150 volunteers do the work and keep us really connected to the community. There are four particular volunteers that I would like to acknowledge today: David and Kerryn Taylor, Marg Brickhill and a volunteer in my office this week, Emma Jones. Thank you for all your work. The Wangaratta jazz festival is part of the culture economy of Indi. It returns enormous benefits to the whole community. Thank you for the work you do. I thank you on behalf of the whole of Australia for showing that Victoria is 10 times better than Queensland.