Alice Jordan-Baird (Gorton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thirty-three veterans—that's how many Vietnam veterans are part of the Caroline Springs RSL. The stories, the history and the psychological scars these service men and women carry are unimaginable. We are eternally grateful for their service to this country. I was honoured to present a quilt of valour ahead of Vietnam Veterans Day to Marguerita on behalf of her late husband, Bill, for his service and sacrifice. Thank you to President Ross Wiltshire, the committee, and members Peter, Paul, Wendy, Gill, Murray, Bobby, John, Dave, Gillian and Andy.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? This was the politics of the day during the visit by the Speaker and me to Thornhill Park Primary School. Thornhill Park Primary is the growth of the western suburbs in action. Since opening in 2023, they have seen a huge uptick in enrolments. Like the western suburbs, Thornhill Park Primary is diverse, resilient and persistent and, with the support of Principal Darryl Spiteri, instils the values of respect, integrity and wellbeing in its students. The students voted for pineapple being on pizza. Even though I personally tend to disagree, that's what democracy is for. Thank you, Thornhill Park.

Last week was Early Learning Matters Week. I recently visited Goodstart Keilor Village, Goodstart Moonee Ponds and the kindergarten at Creekside K-9 College. I read storybooks, made crafts and saw firsthand the dedication of the incredible care teams in our electorate. There is no-one more important than our little ones, and they deserve every bit of support, protection and care that we can provide. Childcare and kindy are instrumental in shaping the development and wellbeing of our kids at that crucial early age. It helps them navigate the world, laying foundations for future success, and the care provided by our childcare workers is simply invaluable. High-quality early education and care are essential. Thank you to the incredible early education workers we trust day in, day out with the people who matter the most.

Dressed as Wally from Where's Wally?, dancing the Nutbush and a litfest parade—it's Book Week at Albanvale Primary School. This year's Book Week theme was 'Book an adventure'. Fostering imagination is critical to our kids' emotional and cognitive development and to giving them the skills essential to navigating their futures, and it all starts with literacy. At Albanvale Primary School, students develop a love of reading. Special congratulations to the Albanvale students who hit over 100 nights of reading. Thank you to Principal Michael Uzunovski and to the incredible teachers around him. Your efforts are invaluable.

I recently saw the Blue Light youth program in action at Creekside K-9 College in Caroline Springs. This powerful initiative gives secondary students hands-on experiences with police and emergency services, fostering trust, open conversation and a sense of belonging. That confidence, resilience and strong sense of community connection is essential to keeping the future of our youth and our community bright. Thank you to Principal—

Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you. The member for Monash.