Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It'd be interesting to know which way the member for Capricornia went on that pineapple stuff! Over the last few weeks, it's been a pleasure to go to some of the recipients of the Stronger Communities Program grants in McEwen. I'm proud to say that, under the Albanese Labor government, we're supporting groups that are making a real difference in our communities.

First of all, at the Diamond Creek Football Netball Club, $18,000 has been put towards NAIDOC jumpers and netball dresses. The jumpers will be worn at the Sir Doug Nicholls Round each year. Apart from looking great, they serve the very important purposes of strengthening the club's connection to the local Indigenous community and growing an understanding of the Indigenous connection to the great game of AFL. I want to extend my appreciation to Maria Jory and Shaun Fitzpatrick for their hard work and dedication in pushing this along to make sure that the jumper is a true reflection of Diamond Creek, by getting a local artist to do the design that includes Diamond Creek—the hills, the trees and everything about the local area. I think it's important that these sorts of things happen for our communities, because it's people like Shaun and Maria and the rest of the crew down there who really sustain the heart and soul of the clubs in local communities, which are so important for all of us. I can't wait to see the Creekers come out in the special occasion colours. I know the boys were rapt seeing the jumpers last week; it was great fun.

Also, I want to celebrate an important local initiative that is taking place in our region next week. On 6 September, another Fishing for Mental Health Day will take place at Kyneton, at Lauriston Reservoir. It's now an annual event for locals to get together, have a great day outdoors and promote mental health. There are even prizes for the biggest catch and smallest catch of the day, as well as for the best joke—which I can sadly say I never win. Apparently, my dad jokes are not funny to anyone bar me, but that's okay. I won't take it to heart! I'm proud to be able to contribute towards this sort of special occasion by sponsoring all the bait purchases.

Local Jack Bamford is a man who we should really sit down and listen to, for his journey from where he's been to where he's got to, to able to put this together for everyone to enjoy, is a remarkable one. His commitment to this event is second to none. I was down there with my good friend Mary-Anne Thomas, the member for Macedon and Victorian health minister, as we chatted with Jack about what's going on and acknowledge the VFA, the Victorian Fisheries Authority, for their support in getting this done by stocking Lauriston Reservoir last year to make sure there was trout there to catch. All it takes, sometimes, for these things to really happen is someone with a bit of passion, a bit of fire in their belly and a great desire to get things done. It's great work by Jack to be able to do this. It's an exciting time for us to be at home—to be spending time in local communities, travelling around to different groups and seeing all these little cogs that make our community tick. It's such a pleasure to be able to catch up with local people, to see these things in action firsthand and to see the great work they're doing for our community.