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

I have a great news story to share with the House today. A group of young people, business students at Wodonga's La Trobe University, have won the national Big Idea competition. It is sponsored by PWC, Social Traders and The Big Issue. I warmly congratulate Jenny Bevis, Nathan Potter and Samantha Richardson for their terrific idea to energise social connection and build businesses and business pathways by encouraging young people to be part of a six-month program of workshops, live music, arts events and festivals. More details can be found at http://www.thevibecollectiveevents.com

The Vibe Collective is an example of social enterprise, a movement that is going from strength to strength in my electorate of Indi. We had a fantastic discussion last Friday night in Wodonga, when Matt Pfahlert shared what he learned from the Churchill Fellowship. We talked about the importance of social enterprises being based on solid, profitable business models. It is definitely happening in Indi. Jenny and all her team know this, and I wish them well. In preparing today's speech, I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank David, Nicole and Jenny for their terrific work in my office as volunteers and the over 120 volunteers from my electorate of Indi who, over the years, have served us all by coming up to Canberra and being part of a terrific event. Thank you all very much.

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