Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to talk about two terrific projects delivered in McEwen, projects that demonstrate exactly what happens when a government stops making excuses, stops issuing media releases and actually gets on with the job of putting communities first. In Diamond Creek the upgrade to the much-loved community pool has finally been delivered. These upgrades give the local families a modern, accessible and safe facility that our growing community deserves. It's not just about fresh tiles and new changerooms; it's also about giving everyone in our community from young children to families and our seniors an accessible and affordable place to swim. It's about making sure that the communities of Nillumbik have the kinds of recreational facilities that keep a community healthy, active and connected.

Locals came to us before the 2022 election and let us know how important the upgrade to this beloved community asset was and we listened with a $1.5 million commitment. I particularly want to acknowledge here the advocacy of Councillor Peter Perkins, who was a hard-working local councillor. This funding saw improvements to the existing toilets and changerooms to improve accessibility, façade and painting works, updates to the plant room, with a new heat pump to come, and upgraded walkways for access around the complex. This $1.5 million commitment came from the Invest in Our Future program, and that's exactly what the Albanese Labor government is doing in our communities.

Now, over in Doreen, the Hilltop Park playground and splash park is taking shape and is already proving to be extremely popular, as I found out Saturday first-hand. This project has delivered a vibrant and inclusive outdoor area where kids can play, cool off and simply enjoy being kids. It's exactly the kind of infrastructure our community deserves and will be a drawcard for people from surrounding communities as well. We already know that there are plenty of parties taking place, with more being planned. It's somewhere where kids can do this and do it for free. The $1.5 million funding from the Albanese Labor government under the Invest in Our Communities program with an additional Victorian government and Whittlesea shire council contribution is a perfect example of what happens when federal, state and local governments come together and deliver the right things in our community.

The Hilltop playground and splash park features an interactive water play area, accessibility-friendly design and facilities, shaded seating, and upgraded landscaping to support a welcoming family-friendly environment. Projects like this strengthen our community, boost participation and improve liveability for the long-term. It's a really important investment for our community. I want to acknowledge here the support of Councillor Deb Gunn and Councillor Jarrod Lappin in getting this done. As I said, it relied on the Victorian government as well and thanks to the great advocacy of Lauren Kathage, the member for Yan Yean. We all got together and got this thing delivered in such a way that it has given an amazing rejuvenation to the Hilltop Park area. Just like the Diamond Creek pool, community voices were central in shaping the splash park and the playground. Today we see the results—a fantastic vibrant space that's designed for everyone.

But these projects don't happen by accident. They're happening because our government, the Albanese Labor government, made commitments, budgeted for them and delivered them, just as we said we would. There was no fanfare, no political theatre, no splashy promises that disappear as soon as the camera is turned off. There was just hard work, proper planning and genuine follow through, and that's a real contrast. For too long, under the former Liberal and National government, communities like ours got plenty of announcements but never any action. We got photo ops and media releases instead of progress. We got overpromising and underdelivering that became a trademark of the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison mess. Local families were left waiting, in some cases for years, for projects that were never funded properly, never prioritised and ultimately never delivered.

Our community deserves a government that treats its commitments as obligations, not as publicity opportunities. They deserve investment that actually gets it done, not grant schemes built on colour-coded spreadsheets. They deserve to see the work that's happening on the ground—Diamond Creek, Doreen, right across McEwen. We are proud that we're backing local councils to deliver community infrastructure, proud that our parents, kids and grandparents alike will soon feel the benefit of these projects. And we are proud to say when we promise something we will deliver it and we do. The Diamond Creek pool upgrade, the Hilltop Park playground and the splash park in Doreen show the differences a government with integrity and purpose can make. Our community asked for these facilities. Labor listened and Labor has delivered.

House adjourned at 20:00

The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Sharkie ) took the chair at 10:30.

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