Zoe McKenzie (Flinders, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to reflect on the great community celebration across the Mornington Peninsula on Australia Day this year. There were activities all across the peninsula, mounted through the tireless work of our community groups, like Rotary, Lions, our Returned Services Leagues, Men's Sheds, the local Scouts, emergency services and especially the mighty folk from the local CFA. These activities were supported by our wonderful community sponsors, including Bendigo Bank, Hillview Quarries and Ritchies IGA, and, of course, the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

A soggy morning did nothing to deter a rousing rendition of the national anthem and 'We are Australia' by the Mornington Peninsula Welsh Ladies Choir in Mount Martha. The sun was out by the time a troop of Tyabb flyers adorned the skies above a flourishing Dromana day fair. There was face painting, woodworking, a local dance school strutting its stuff, sales of local wares, exploration of the fire trucks and a new addition for 2023—electric vehicles.

The absolute joy of the day was the citizenship ceremony held at the Rosebud Memorial Hall, where 65 people from around the planet chose to make Australia their new home. It was a moment of great pride and celebration and, in the case of young girls, most wonderful, endless party frocks. For the families who have chosen to make the Mornington Peninsula their home, I thank them profoundly for choosing Australia.

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