Jodie Belyea (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was a pleasure to welcome hundreds of new Australian citizens to the Frankston community at the Australia Day ceremony just a few weeks ago. Thank you to Frankston City Council, Mayor Kris Bolam, councillors and my state colleague Paul Edbrooke. To our newest citizens, welcome to you all. You join us in sharing the values that define Australia—respect, inclusivity and a fair go for all. You are now part of our rich and vibrant fabric. Whether you arrived here seeking new opportunities or a change of scenery, your presence strengthens our community.

I would also like to acknowledge Frankston City Council's Australia Day award winners: Wayne Hollingsworth, Frankston Citizen of the Year; Heather Stewart, the founder from Women and Mentoring; and David McFarlane, Young Citizen of the Year. Congratulations to you all for your dedication towards creating a safer, supportive and thriving community. You are all local legends. Our sense of community is strong in Frankston, in Dunkley. It is evident in our schools, our sporting clubs, our volunteer organisations and our new citizens—all working together to make Dunkley a better place.