Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to congratulate the Burgoigee Creek Landcare Group for the fantastic work they do caring for the environment in the Murmungee district. On Tuesday, 8 July, I joined 50 people at the recently renovated Old Murmungee Hall for the Burgoigee Creek Landcare Group AGM. As with any rural get-together, there was plenty of wide-ranging discussion on Landcare and the organisation's future. The environment is an issue close to the heart of everyone in that tight-knit community and I was delighted to be there to listen to their comments.

Landcare groups are excellent models of community engagement. They are among the best at doing it and the social benefits gained for rural communities are significant. I want to champion and represent Landcare in this parliament. I want to support the movement and see it grow in Indi. There are now 75 Landcare groups, including special issue groups, right across the north-east of Victoria.

At the AGM, I encouraged Landcare groups to be proactive in seeking government funding from the Green Army and Carbon Farming initiatives. Our communities will grow and thrive where Landcare grows and thrives. In conclusion, mention must be made of the superb catering on the night. To Ruth and Eddie Costenaro: thank you. The food was delicious and, on a really cold evening, the soup was particularly nice—representing your warm hospitality.