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

Across my electorate there is one common thread that binds our community together—the volunteers. They are the quiet achievers, the people who step forward without fanfare and give their time, their skills and their hearts to strengthen the communities we call home. That is why I'm pleased to remind local organisations that expressions of interest are now open for the 2025-26 federal volunteer grants. These grants provide practical funding to support equipment, training and resources, ensuring volunteers can continue their extraordinary work safely and effectively. I strongly encourage eligible organisations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to invest in the people who invest so much in our communities.

Nowhere is that spirit of volunteerism more evident than at the Country Fire Authority Rockbank Brigade. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the incredible volunteers at the Rockbank CFA, a small brigade operating a single tanker from what is quite literally a tin shed with one bathroom. Rockbank may have once been considered a country town, but that is no longer the case. Established in 1953, the Rockbank CFA has faithfully served its community for more than 70 years. Today, it sits on the urban fringe of one of Australia's fastest-growing corridors between Caroline Springs and Melton. What was once rural landscape is now rapidly transforming into dense residential development. Yet this brigade remains 100 per cent volunteer run, carrying responsibilities that rival those of fully-staffed urban emergency services. As Melbourne's west continues to expand and housing estates extend through this growth corridor, Rockbank has transformed into a thriving suburban community. Streets, schools and shopping centres now stand where paddocks once were.

With that growth comes increased demand on essential services, particularly emergency services. Since 1 July alone, this small brigade has responded to more than 250 callouts, including bushfires, road accidents, grassfires and house fires, while also supporting neighbouring CFA brigades, particularly during the recent bushfire emergencies. These highly skilled volunteers are there day and night, leaving their jobs, their families and their own commitments to protect ours.

I particularly acknowledge Derek, one of Rockbank CFA's longest-serving members, who began as the sole firefighter in the area and has witnessed firsthand the extraordinary growth of this community. Alongside Derek, Todd and every volunteer and supporter, the Rockbank CFA is a powerful reminder of what community spirit looks like in action. If we're serious about building thriving communities in Melbourne's west, we must continue to work collaboratively to ensure essential services grow in step with population growth.

To every volunteer at Rockbank and to volunteers right across the electorate of Gorton and across our nation: thank you. Your commitment, your courage and your community spirit make our nation stronger every single day.