Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy) Share this | Hansard source

We have so many amazing community events that play an important part in making our region even stronger. They are run by volunteers and community groups who give their time to allow locals to come together with family, friends and neighbours. This weekend, we have two of those fantastic local events.

Celebrate Mooroolbark is exactly what the name suggests—a celebration of everything that makes Mooroolbark so special. I'm looking forward to being out with my community this Sunday 15 March to celebrate with Mooroolbark locals and celebrate this amazing community. There will be fun for the whole family with free activities, market stalls by local businesses, local arts and crafts, delicious food, live entertainment and so much more. Thank you to the entire committee and volunteers who have planned this weekend's festival. I look forward to Celebrate Mooroolbark this weekend.

The Wandin North Harvest Market at Wandin North Primary School is a staple in the Yarra Valley. It's wonderful to be there every year with my team and see local kids having fun with their friends, families and teachers. The Harvest Market at Wandin North Primary School is their main fundraiser, and it's a fantastic day for the whole family. It's got entertainment, crafts, market stalls, delicious food, activities for the kids, fresh local produce and so much more. The fundraiser for the school is so important to make sure they can get the support that they need. Thank you to Megan who is the key Harvest Market organiser along with the many parents and volunteers and to school principal Paul Bailey and all the teachers for all the work they put into this great local event. I'm looking forward to speaking with so many locals at the Wandin North Harvest Market this Sunday.

Last weekend it was great to attend the Connecting Community Festival in Healesville. It was wonderful to see local stallholders, including the Healesville Lions Club on the barbeque, as well as street parades, community crafts, concerts and dances throughout the day. Some of the old legends from the Healesville Football Club also shared some stories. I've heard them before, but they were a lot cleaner than how they were normally told at the terminus back in the day.

I had the privilege of presenting an award to the founder of the Good Life Farm, Lesley Porter, on behalf of the board of directors. Lesley started the Good Life Farm in Chum Creek in 2005 to support vulnerable young people in our community. Her farm is the only farm in Australia to deliver animal based therapy and education on a mixed farm. She has helped countless young people find purpose in their lives and integrate into their communities, equipping them with resilience to overcome challenges. Congratulations, Lesley, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to young Australians and to our community.

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