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

Glen Huntly Primary School is a welcoming school of around 270 students set across a footbridge that links its two sites. Glenn Huntly punches above its weight in its NAPLAN scores and strives to continually improve. The school motto is 'Learning today. Leading tomorrow', delivered by teachers who develop each student's curiosity and confidence.

I experienced the smarts of these children at a recent question time with the year 6s, who are learning about democracy. The students asked engaging, thoughtful questions: about my journey—as a science based advocate for healthcare workers; the energy transition—it is well underway; the parties of government—they make prime ministers; jobs for the future—energy, defence, digital and care roles; and pathways—TAFE and university. I emphasised that, despite the bad press this place gets, it still gets things done—things like Medicare, paid parental leave and protections for workers, as well as pay rises for the most vulnerable.

I encourage Glenn Huntly primary students to keep asking questions and to stay focused. Your participation keeps the power of the people with people.

Someone who leaves a successful corporate career for community work does it out of genuine passion and care for their community. That someone is Minister Man Cheong, who I had the honour of meeting during my recent visit to Carnegie Church of Christ.

Carnegie Church of Christ is an organisation providing a place of belonging for culturally diverse locals, including displaced Ukrainians who have fled the war, as well as Chinese Australians, and for people recovering from mental health issues. This small centre epitomises the true heart of Australia—a welcoming warm embrace of doers and givers.

The renovated kitchen, manned by volunteers, turns out delicious cheese toasties and a cuppa—the ingredients for connection. In the church's free food pantry are life's necessities, sourced from local businesses like bakeries and Foodbank, a lifeline for many Australians. Meanwhile the Open Hands led Bible study sessions and access to life-cycle rituals touch upon Christian values, the same ones I was exposed to growing up. Whether you believe or not, the way the liturgy is delivered is inclusive of all. I am proud that my Stronger Communities grant funded the church's community garden.

The life that Minister Man Cheong has carved out highlights for us that service to others, in whatever form or place that comes in, is edifying and nurtures that which is best in ourselves.

Ardrie Park Floral Studio in Malvern East is a small business with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. This studio is an exemplar of eco-friendly practices in business. A member of the Sustainable Floristry Network, Ardrie Park Floral Studio founder Kirsten is dedicated to seasonal 'wild at art' floral arrangements sourced from local growers and collected in zero-emissions transport. A stand-out practice is the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials, from the wrapping paper and the twine to the vases—every component is thoughtfully selected to minimise waste. Keen eyes at the ANZAC Day ceremonies I attended would have noticed the wild beauty of her reeds, with blooms and foliage attached to a bundle of brush rather than plastic. As a former financier, Kirsten will appreciate the climate risk disclosure framework we are introducing, giving investors and companies the transparency they need to invest in new opportunities as part of the net zero transformation. Businesses like Ardrie Park Floral Studio that take their green credentials seriously show that business and community and environmental responsibility can and should go hand in hand.

The Albanese government knows that communities know what they need and want. That's why we have announced $350 million for the Thriving Suburbs Program and $150 million for the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program. Both programs are now open for applications. The Thriving Suburbs Program will release $500,000 to $15 million to councils and not-for-profits for capital works that enhance livability and social cohesion. Sporting pavilions, green spaces, inadequate change rooms, gyms, poor lighting, public libraries—here's your chance. Investments in our neighbourhoods make for stronger communities. The Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program is always open. Funding is always available. It's there to support the development of precincts like education, arts, business and so on.

Australians finally have a government that has listened to the calls from our communities for locally driven, urban, suburban and periurban community infrastructure projects. Please check them out and apply.