Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Like many communities across Australia, my community of Casey is feeling the pressure of the increasing cost of living, whether it be higher grocery prices felt by families or increasing electricity and gas bills for both homes and businesses. I know that many are struggling. We are fortunate to have so many amazing charities and not-for-profits in Casey who do tremendous work to support locals and families in need. I was delighted to show opposition leader Peter Dutton and our fantastic Liberal candidate for Aston, Roshena Campbell, the work of Foothills Community Care at their weekly Wednesday night meal in Ferntree Gully last week. We joined Foothills founder and CEO, Stephen Barrington, and their many volunteers who serve our community across the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne's outer east as well as the team from Orange Sky, who provide free laundry services. Each week, Foothills serves over a thousand residents with a hot cuppa, a hot meal and a food parcel at Ferntree Gully and Upwey, but also, importantly, it provides a place of belonging, a place to chat and a place for community. Unfortunately, as many Australians continue to do it tough due to the cost-of-living crisis, services like Foothills Community Care and Orange Sky will become more and more vital. I thank you and the many amazing community organisations across Casey for your work in providing support for those in need.

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