Sam Rae (Hawke, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the weekend my family and I joined thousands of other local families in Melton at the Djerriwarrh Festival. It was the first time the event has been held since 2019. As always, the event kicked off with a street parade, this year themed 'celebrate today, imagine the future'. It was fantastic to see so many community groups coming together to march, including the local primary schools, cultural groups and sporting clubs. The kids wearing amazing homemade robot costumes were a particular highlight.

It was also wonderful to see our emergency services staff and volunteers at the march, providing all of us with an opportunity to show our appreciation and celebrate all that they do for our community, particularly after the wild weather we've had in Victoria. After the opening parade the whole town was buzzing with excitement, with a carnival put on by the local Lions Club; a market with unique, locally made products; an interactive arts workshop; and plenty more.

With a stellar performance from Aussie rock band Eskimo Joe to finish up, the event was a raging success and a demonstration of the immense community spirit found in Melton. Thank you to all of the volunteers who contributed to the event and to the local traders for their patience with road closures. I look forward to seeing the Djerriwarrh Festival back again in 2023.