Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Higgins, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I had the pleasure of opening The Green at Murrumbeena Bowls Club last year. It's a 100-year-old institution nestled down a quiet, wide, tree lined street. Malcolm, the club president, led a lively morning of bowls on a glorious spring day. I met Sue, the club champion and local bank manager, who set the pace and warmly invited me to meet the locals.

Inside the clubhouse was a treat not to be missed: a passionfruit sponge made by local legend Venora. Venora, at 92 years strong, spoke of her connection with the club. Despite her physical limits, she managed to turn out six delicious cakes, which disappeared before our eyes. This club is more than a meeting place. To Venora it is a source of strength and a solace that once lifted her out of a dark period. She spoke frankly, her words imbued with nearly a century of wisdom. I nodded in agreement, because no price can be put on the social and physical benefits provided by community organisations with the warmth of Murrumbeena Bowls Club. And the best part: unlike the pills I used to prescribe, this prescription has no side effects. I look forward to returning to Murrumbeena Bowls Club for a cuppa and a chat.

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