Ged Kearney (Cooper, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the chamber of the opening of the 1st Preston Scout and Community Centre. This was a project that I was incredibly proud to attend and speak at alongside wonderful families and volunteers in my electorate of Cooper. What I saw was more than a refurbished building; it was a space brought back to life by a dedicated Scout group and a community that refused to let it fade away. With support from the Albanese Labor government through the Thriving Suburbs Program, we invested more than $545,000 to transform a once unusable hall into a vibrant, modern community hub. That investment has delivered a main activity space for Scouts to meet, learn and grow; community rooms for the rest of Preston and surrounding suburbs to use; and—

Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Sorry to interrupt the debate. We have lost quorum, so we will have to suspend the Federation Chamber.

Sitting suspended from 13:25 to 13:26

(Quorum formed)

Ged Kearney (Cooper, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) | Link to this | Hansard source

Now, that investment has delivered a main activity space for Scouts to meet, to learn and to grow. There's a wonderful community room that the rest of Preston and surrounding suburbs and other community groups can use. There's a brand new sparkling kitchen, accessible amenities and outdoor areas designed to bring people together.

Scouting plays a vital role in shaping young people—building skills, confidence, leadership and resilience. Many people feel disconnected right now, but this centre gives young people and their community a place to belong. To Alan Harding, the group leader of Preston Scout Group, and to every volunteer and every young adult who's a member of the Scouts group: thank you and congratulations. Labor is proud to invest in community groups like yours, because when we support these spaces we support our future.

I recently joined the Friends of Bats and Bushcare group to celebrate 20 years of the flying fox soft release program at Yarra Bend Park. For two decades, this extraordinary program has cared for orphaned and injured grey-headed flying foxes, giving hundreds of young bats a second chance and helping them return to the wild. These remarkable animals play a vital role in pollinating our native forests and maintaining healthy ecosystems across Victoria.

What makes this program so special is the people behind it. Every rescued bat and successful release over the past 20 years has been made possible by dedicated volunteers who have devoted countless hours. I particularly want to acknowledge Davita Coronel and Lawrence Pope for their leadership, passion and commitment. I'm proud that the Albanese Labor government committed $30,000 to Parks Victoria to help protect the Yarra Bend flying fox colony. To everyone who has volunteered with this program over the past 20 years: thank you. Your care for these unique animals is helping protect biodiversity and strengthen our environment.

Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' constituency statements has concluded.