Sarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to three great local initiatives to support small business and our wonderful local traders and artists in my electorate of Corangamite. Last weekend, I was delighted to attend the Long Lunch at the Beach Hotel in Jan Juc as part of the DAFT celebration weekend—DAFT is short for Drink Arts Food Torquay. The weekend offered a range of events, including the Bell Street Fiesta, to promote local products, produce, beverages, art and music. I congratulate Torquay Commerce and Tourism for this fantastic initiative.

Last Friday, similarly, I was delighted to attend a special street parade of local fashion and jewellery with the Liberal candidate for Polwarth, Richard Riordan, put on by local businesses in Murray Street, Colac. The footpath was converted into a carpet-clad runway as a bevy of local fashion was flaunted. It was then on to the Birregurra Art Show, a highlight of the Birregurra Festival, which now attracts thousands of visitors each year. I was delighted to make a small purchase of a beautiful watercolour, which won a second prize, of Mount Deception on the Great Ocean Road by the artist Ray Woods.

Small business owners, including our farmers, are the lifeblood of Corangamite's many country communities, and I am very proud to celebrate their many achievements.