Mary Doyle (Aston, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending two fantastic local events in my electorate of Aston, each of them such a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special. The first one I attended on Saturday was the St Joseph's & St Bernadette's Community Fete. It was an excellent celebration of community, connection and local pride. Events like this bring together people of all ages and backgrounds. They create a vibrant space where local families feel welcome. It was truly heartening to see so many members of the community come out in the bright autumn sunshine and participate and contribute to such a positive atmosphere.

What stood out most were the conversations, the laughter, the sense of belonging and the strong community spirit that flowed throughout the day. I had such a wonderful conversation with 90-year-old Maureen. She told me how she sews beautiful aprons, and she's got such an eye for detail—footy aprons; I bought a St Kilda one, because, you know: go Saints! She was a delight to speak to. I was also pleased to be joined by our new state Labor candidate for the seat of Bayswater, Julie Buxton, for this year's upcoming Victorian state election. It was clear to me and Julie that locals deeply value opportunities to connect and engage with representatives like us and with one another.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Rowville Men's Shed open day, an equally fantastic event that highlighted the vital role men's sheds play in fostering wellbeing, connection, lifeline learning and also lifelong friendships. During my visit, I met up with Stephen and Michael, who were kind enough to assist me with fitting anti-theft numberplate screws, a simple yet practical service that reflects the hands-on, community focused nature of the men's shed. The men's shed also do a bit of beekeeping, so I made sure I bought myself a jar of delicious shed honey.

The day itself was full of activity, from guided shed tours and tool sales to impressive displays, exhibitions, and even a showcase of nostalgic classic cars. Importantly, the day also offered meaningful opportunities for connection. Initiatives like the Talking Cafe created a welcoming space for conversation, helping to reduce isolation and build friendships—something that is more important than ever in today's fast paced world.

While these events may seem modest in scale, their impact is anything but small. They strengthen social bonds, support mental wellbeing and provide inclusive spaces where people can share skills, experience and support. This past week has been a powerful reminder that, when we invest in our community, we are investing in people. Our government remains committed to backing communities like Boronia and Rowville, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive—because strong communities don't just happen; they are built through partnership, through investment and through a shared belief in a better future for all.