Kate Thwaites (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I had a great time getting my hands dirty recently, together with the Friends of Edendale group, at Edendale Farm in Eltham North, where we collectively helped plant 500 trees and grasses around Diamond Creek. We had local residents, kids from the Eltham Sea Scouts and older volunteers all working together. This whole project is being supported by our government's Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, delivering $150,000 to support the Friends of Edendale with their multiyear project to improve the health of this creek in my community and the area all around it.

It's not the only great community activity that I've been able to do recently. I also recently enjoyed a visit to Ivanhoe Park to catch up with the local croquet club. I did take some lessons, and I thank the community members there for being so patient in teaching me the rules of croquet and teaching me to eventually get it through the hoop. The Ivanhoe Park Croquet Club is one of the oldest clubs in Melbourne, and I'm really happy to report that they're growing in membership in their 111th year.

At the other end of my electorate, the Eltham Football Club does such a great job as a community club. The Panthers recently celebrated their ladies day luncheon, where I joined my colleagues Vicki Ward MP and Councillor Nat Duffy for a fantastic afternoon fundraising for White Ribbon Australia. Thanks to Narelle and the team at the Panthers for such a special afternoon. Thanks to all the volunteers and organisations across Jagajaga. You make our community a stronger place.

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