Jo Briskey (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

In my first speech to parliament, I reflected on how community organisations are the heart and soul of my electorate of Maribyrnong. Weekends are for local footy, soccer, netball and many more. There's hardly a vacant oval or field in sight. But, if sport is not your thing, then there are many other groups to choose from, from multicultural groups to conservation groups, seniors groups and many more. Without them, our community would not be the vibrant, happening place that it is and that I'm so proud to represent in this parliament.

Since my election in May, I had the great pleasure of visiting many of these organisations and hearing from the amazing people who work and volunteer their time to make our community happy, healthy and connected. One of the first groups I met with was the Essendon Historical Society, a great group of dedicated historians documenting the history of Moonee Valley. History reminds us all of the great legacy we have inherited from members of this community, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge the labour of love that Cate and the team put into ensuring our community's history is not only recorded but celebrated.

I also had the recent pleasure of attending the 10-year anniversary of the Strathmore Men's Shed. This group is what community is all about. There is an epidemic of male loneliness in our country, but the Strathmore Men's Shed is bringing our community together by providing a space for people to connect and share in the activities that they love. With a membership of over 80, and having been named in the top 10 men's sheds in metro Melbourne, I know that this fantastic local institution will continue to go from strength to strength.

As I also mentioned in my first speech, we are blessed in Maribyrnong with great sporting clubs and even better community spirit. A fun fact: the Moonee Valley local government area, or LGA, is home to the most bowls clubs in the country. Everywhere you look in Maribyrnong, you are greeted with the bright-green lawns and warm hospitality that only a local bowls club can provide. I want to shout out in particular the Essendon, Buckley Park and Maribyrnong Park bowls clubs, who have received funding from the Albanese Labor government to help build a bowls super-hub. This project will simply 'bowl' you over with the major redevelopment of the Cooper Street site where all three clubs will come together as one. Then there's the mighty Gladstone Park Bowling Club, who have also received funding to upgrade their facilities and build a new synthetic bowls green. I look forward to working with these wonderful clubs to ensure that these projects are delivered.

There are many more amazing groups to acknowledge, and I look forward to spending my time in this place talking up them and the incredible contributions they make to our community. Every group I have met so far has been inspiring, and it is an honour and a privilege to represent them in this parliament.

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