Jo Briskey (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tucked away in the quiet, leafy streets of Flemington, there's a small but mighty institution: the Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre. For 37 years, Farnham Street has operated under the stewardship of the incomparable Cathy Connop. Cathy is a force of nature and a true leader in our community. She has, for more than three decades, provided a safe and nurturing place for people seeking connection, dignity and support. Sadly for us, Cathy has decided to call time on her extraordinary career at Farnham Street. I had the pleasure of attending her farewell event, and it was packed. That turnout alone spoke volumes about the incredible woman we were there to farewell. The stories shared, the smiles filled with affection and the deep respect in the room said everything that words sometimes can't. Thank you, Cathy, for the sacrifices, the service and the unwavering commitment that you made to our small place in the world just to make it that a little bit better, especially for those most vulnerable.

From one end of the electorate to the other, I'm continually reminded that it's the small but mighty institutions that hold our communities together. Another such place is the Tullamarine Men's Shed, which I recently had the pleasure of visiting. There I was greeted by the sprightly contingent led by Peter Agnew and Alan Dyer, who proudly showed me around the shed and talked to me about the many projects they were working on. Over lunch they shared just how important the shed is in their lives not just as a place to work with their hands but as a place to connect. I have spoken in this place before about the importance of men's sheds. Every visit I make reinforces that message. These sheds play a vital role in supporting men's health, reducing isolation and strengthening the fabric of our local communities.

Speaking of community, there is no greater example of that community spirit than on Anzac Day. I'm privileged to represent an electorate that is home to three incredible RSLs: Essendon RSL, Flem/Ken RSL and Keilor East RSL. Each club does important work in keeping our community connected and providing a safe place for local veterans and their families to gather. On Anzac Day, it was an honour to join thousands of locals at the dawn service hosted by Keilor East RSL and, earlier that week, the Moonee Valley Anzac Day service, hosted in partnership with the Essendon RSL. It was a profound opportunity to pay my respects, on behalf of the people of Maribyrnong, to those men and women and their families for the sacrifices they have made for our nation, especially the many local heroes who have served in past conflicts. I want to also acknowledge the Anglican Parish of Christ Church Essendon's Anzac Day church service, an opportunity for members of faith within our community to pay their respects on our nation's most solemn day. My electorate has a deep connection with Australia's military history, and our local community has a deep sense of pride and respect for our service men and women. No more is that on display than on Anzac Day.