Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Festivals and markets are an important part of our community in Casey. They are run by community groups and volunteers who put in so much time and effort to support those in our community. It was wonderful to attend the Millgrove Market recently, with its great local produce and local stallholders, and I want to thank the volunteers at MRAG, including Maureen, Kate, Pieter and the whole team, for their work in making sure that market continues to support local businesses.

Despite the rain, it was fantastic to join great community events in Mooroolbark for the Celebrate Mooroolbark festival, which is a celebration of everything that is great about Mooroolbark. Thank you to the whole committee that plan the festival, putting so much time and effort into making sure it's a success, particularly Renae, the chairperson.

The Wandin North Harvest Market at Wandin North Primary School is a staple in our community. It's wonderful to be there every year to see the kids having fun. I think they were happy with the rain—the parents not so much. But, again, it's a fundraiser for the school to make sure they can get the support they need. Thanks to Megan, who is the key organiser, along with the other parents and volunteers, and also to Paul Bailey, the principal, and all the teachers for your work. Congratulations on another successful event.

The Montrose community event last weekend was an opportunity to celebrate the opening of the Montrose intersection moving from a roundabout to traffic lights so traffic can flow. It has been a tough 12 months for all the traders. It was a chance to support them, and I urge everyone to support local, particularly those Montrose traders who have had a tough 12 months. I enjoyed catching up with the Montrose Men's Shed, the Montrose fire brigade, the Montrose Township Group, the Community Bank Mt Evelyn and many local traders.

This weekend, we have more important celebrations. We are celebrating 100 years since the hills village changed its name from South Sassafras to Kallista, meaning 'most beautiful'. In 1925 there was a gala event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, games for kids and a celebration that went late into the night. This Saturday, the Kallista Village centenary committee will be holding a community-wide event to mark the occasion, with live music, old games, a family bush dance and so much more. Well done to Miki and the team at Kallista Village on your work. I look forward to joining you all on Saturday.

On Sunday, I'm looking forward to meeting the Easter bunny at the Cire Easter market in Chirnside Park. It's a great family event. There'll be a free scavenger hunt for the kids, food trucks, coffee, local produce and treats. I'll also be attending the community heroes market in Lilydale. For the first time the Victoria Road Primary School and Chirnside Park Preschool are having a joint fete. It's a celebration that will bring together local students, parents, teachers and the wider community to support the school and celebrate our community spirit, and I'm looking forward to attending and talking to the kids and to the volunteers.

Community events really are the heart of our community. They give us a chance to come together, to celebrate and to network. Thank you to all those volunteers for the work that you do.