Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

This month, I was privileged to hold my Casey Volunteer and Community Awards and my Casey Apprentice and Trainee Awards. Volunteers, community groups, apprentices and trainees had their dedication to our region recognised across the two ceremonies.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 10:01 to 10:09

At the Casey Volunteer and Community Awards, held on Saturday 8 November, three community groups and 70 individuals were recognised for their outstanding service. It was an honour to celebrate the heart of our community and offer well-deserved recognition. Our volunteers are the people who consistently show up and dedicate their time to make the Casey community strong and connected. They give so much without ever asking for anything in return, and I'd like to acknowledge the three community group recipients: She Won't Be Right Mate. Southern Cross Kids' Camps Yarra Ranges and the Philanthropic Collective. I'd also like to acknowledge the many individuals across the region who were recognised, including representatives from the CFA, local sporting clubs, community houses, guides and scouts, emergency services, food relief organisations, Rotary, Lions, historical societies, men's sheds and so many other local groups.

At the Casey Apprentice and Trainee Awards, held on Thursday 20 November, 10 local apprentices and trainees were recognised across a variety of fields. It was encouraging to see so many local business owners nominate their apprentices and trainees. These awards highlight that university is not the only pathway to success, and that trades are vital to our region's future. The event also recognised the contribution apprentices and trainees make to local businesses. I'd like to acknowledge the award recipients. The winner was Eden Roberts, apprentice chef at Dudley's Restaurant in Olinda. The runner up, Jarryn Stephenson, is an electrical apprentice at Stretch Electrics in Lilydale. The distinguished finalists were Aimee Kleehammer, a trainee chef at Three Sugars Cafe in Warburton; Lily Reynolds, a hairdressing apprentice at Blonde & Co in Yarra Glen; and Nathan Robinson-Darvell, a carpentry apprentice at Maltarona Constructions. The other finalists were Ebony Eagleton, a plumbing apprentice at Specialised Plumbing Group; Ayden Keithley, a mechanical apprentice at the VACC; Hayden Neil, an electrical apprentice at Acton Electrical; Oscar Scash, an electrical apprentice at In Electrical Services in Kilsyth; and Tim Sullivan, an electrical apprentice at DCP Electrical in Healesville. At both events, it was inspiring to acknowledge the people who contribute to our community today and into the future.

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