Kate Thwaites (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

It was a real pleasure to be at Malahang Festival in Heidelberg West on the weekend. This is an much-loved and anticipated highlight on the calendar for everyone in the 3081 community and the surrounding communities. It really is a true celebration of our local community, featuring a culturally diverse program and nearly 30 stalls from groups right across Banyule showcasing the work of many incredible community groups. I really enjoyed doing things like checking out the Banyule scouts' impressive climbing frame that they'd made, and certainly my daughter enjoyed trying that four times over, I think; exploring the colouring activities at the Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place stall; and of course supporting the important work of our 3081 Angels, who do such important work donating preloved baby and children's furniture and clothing to families in our area who need it.

While there, I also caught up with the Lifeblood Team, and they are issuing an urgent call for blood donations this summer. There are more than 1,600 appointments that need to be filled before the new year period to maintain the blood supply, and of course this is a critical time for that blood supply. Locally in our community, the Bundoora Donor Centre is open, including on public holidays, and the Eltham pop-up centre will be available from 7 to 17 January. I am urging locals, if you do have time, please contact those centres and donate.

I do want to acknowledge the staff and organisers of the Malahang Festival at Banyule City Council for ensuring that the festival is a great success this year and every year. I also give a shout-out to my amazing volunteers who manned my community store during the day and made sure that we had some great conversations with locals. Thank you.

I would like to highlight two fantastic organisations in my electorate that help older Australians age well and stay actively involved in our community. I've always really valued the important role that U3As play in fostering personal connections, lifelong learning and engagement in the older Australian community, so I was pleased to visit with Banyule U3A a couple of weeks ago and catch up with a number of the members there. Banyule U3A was founded in 1986 with an initial membership of just 59 people. It is in fact one of the oldest U3As in Victoria. Today it has more than 900 members, making it the largest seniors group in the City of Banyule. A big thank you to Sue and her team for welcoming me, and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Congratulations to the Eltham Men's Shed who celebrated their 10th anniversary in August, and I acknowledge the incredible contribution this group makes to our community. It was a pleasure to celebrate their milestone. I give my heartfelt thanks to Leon and the hardworking committee members for all their dedication. I look forward to continuing to work with you. Thank you.

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