Gabriel Ng (Menzies, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Recently I was out doorknocking in Warrandyte, a beautiful, bushy part of the electorate that I'm fortunate to represent. It's a community that understands the importance of preserving our environment and addressing climate change. I knocked on door after door where people said they were looking forward to accessing the government's solar home battery scheme, to save money on their power bills and to play their part in reducing Australia's emissions. The 30 per cent discount provided is enough of an incentive for them to take up the step of investing in a home battery. It's this kind of demand that means that almost 40,000 households nationally have taken up the solar home battery scheme. We already have the highest rates of rooftop solar in the world. This scheme will better allow us to make the most of our abundant renewable energy and will take pressure off the grid.

I also popped into Warrandyte Football Club, who were successful in the recent volunteer community grants program, and saw the Bloods play their semifinal match amongst the beautiful gumtrees at Warrandyte Reserve. I'd like to congratulate the seniors, reserves and under-19s for making it into the grand finals. Go Bloods!

Finally, recently I was also lucky enough to visit the Manningham Chinese Senior Citizens Association, another successful recipient of the volunteer community grants, who received a grant of around $2,000. This is one of the largest social clubs in Menzies, with more than 1,000 members, and is also one of the most active. They conduct activities five days a week, ranging from Chinese opera and mahjong to tai chi and traditional and contemporary dancing. They also put on an affordable and delicious lunch. It was clear to me how much joy and community the attendees get out of these activities. I was fortunate to narrowly avoid being dragged into singing karaoke by some of the very spirited participants! Thank you to Selene, Stella and other volunteer community members for bringing so much happiness to the older Australians in my community.

I'd also like to congratulate Manningham SES and their wonderful volunteer community committee on raising $70,000 at their recent Thunderball event. These funds will go towards equipment to support the amazing SES volunteers, who are always one of the first on the scene during floods, fires, fallen tree branches and other emergencies that happen in the area. It was an unforgettable night. People hit the dance floor early, and we were treated to a James Bond themed video presentation, giving the Manningham SES the opportunity to showcase their acting skills. Congratulations to Manningham SES.

I also rise to talk about one of the most pressing generational challenges facing the people of Menzies, which is housing. We are bringing forward a five per cent deposit guarantee scheme to ensure that young people across Menzies will be able to get into their first home sooner.

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