Katie Allen (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I reached out to my local community leaders to ask how, together, we could make sure our community in Higgins was kept safe and no-one was left behind. Together we decided it was key that they were kept informed of our federal government initiatives and, in turn, that I understood what was happening on the ground and where help was most needed. Hence, the Higgins leadership committee was formed.

We've met regularly via Zoom throughout COVID-19. The committee includes leaders from aged care and child care, local traders groups and business groups, local schools, churches and hospitals, and local and state governments. Thank you Sue Williams, CEO of Cabrini Health; Michele Lewis, CEO of mecwacare; Bob Stensholt, chair of the Samarinda Ashburton Aged Care Services and president of the Ashburton Traders Association; Graeme Callen, Carnegie Main Street Traders Association; Sue Foley, Murrumbeena Community Bank; Susan Just and Joshua Sheffield, principals of Lauriston Girls' School and Malvern Valley Primary School respectively; Stuart Cogan, president of Hughesdale Kindergarten; Pia Demsky and Gail Wallman of Rotary Prahran and Rotary Toorak respectively; Father Peter French, St John's Toorak; Jacqui Weatherill, Andi Diamond, Phil Storer and Rebecca McKenzie, CEOs of Stonnington, Monash, Boroondara, Glen Eira, respectively; and last but not least state members of parliament Georgie Crozier MLC and Steve Dimopoulos.

Thank you very much for the frank and fearless advice and for taking time to advise me on the issues impacting locals during COVID.