A new local business and cultural hub backed by the Allan Labor Government has opened in Ballarat - supporting Victorian Aboriginal businesses, students and artists to flourish and bringing even more economic opportunities to the region. Minister for Employment Vicki Ward has announced the official opening of the Wadawurrung Aboriginal Economic Hub.

Next the member for Pakenham, who we all admire and support, will stand to make her contribution.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Ballarat District Scouts annual report and awards night presentation. It was terrific to hear about scouting across our region from the youngest Joeys to the most senior Rovers.

Andrew was a proud unionist and loved the Labor Party. He had big dreams and huge potential.

Hundreds of free public car spaces are now available at the Ballarat Base Hospital for locals, visitors and workers as part of the Allan Labor Government’s ongoing investment in the thriving regional town. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today joined representatives from Grampians Health to open 400 new public car spaces at the Ballarat Base Hospital – all free to park at.

The curtain will soon rise at the new and improved Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat promising a revamped space inside and out, that is more welcoming for all – backed by the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced the completion of restoration works at the nearly 150-year-old theatre, after a $10 million investment from Regional Development Victoria.

My constituency question is directed to the Minister for the State Electricity Commission, the SEC, regarding the Allan Labor government’s support for Victorians to save money on their energy bills and switch their homes to electricity.

The inaugural Festival of Australian Queer Theatre was held in Ballarat over the weekend, with 13 events over four days in three venues. I was honoured to attend the opening night on Thursday with so many members of the Ballarat rainbow community – a great reflection of the support that they continually give each other – as well as visitors to Ballarat for the festival.

Regional Victoria will have even more amazing tourist attractions for people to visit with exciting local projects getting off the ground thanks to the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today visited the Art Gallery of Ballarat to announce 29 projects across regional Victoria that will receive funding through the Enabling Tourism Fund 2024.

My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Housing in the other place about the Leawarra neighbourhood housing project in Delacombe, which will revitalise the area in my electorate of Wendouree.

On 18 August we commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. On Sunday I joined with the Ballarat sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia to honour all those who bravely and proudly served our nation during the Vietnam War.

I am pleased to be able to speak in support of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Bill 2024, following on from solid contributions from my friend the member for Albert Park.

Last week I had the great pleasure of joining with the Minister for Education and the members for Ripon and Eureka to celebrate the official opening of the new buildings at the Ballarat Specialist School Gillies Street campus in my electorate of Wendouree.

Thanks to the Allan Labor Government works at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) are forging ahead, with construction beginning on an extension to Liberator Drive. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced that Winslow Constructors have secured the contract to lead this next stage of the BWEZ development, which is being delivered by Development Victoria on behalf of Regional Development Victoria.

Students at Ballarat Specialist School will now have access to a range of new and modern learning facilities, thanks to the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Education Ben Carroll celebrated the new buildings at Ballarat Specialist School, as they opened their doors for the first time today.

Teachers and school leaders in Ballarat and western Victoria can now boost their skills even further with a new Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership centre transforming education in the region. Minister for Education Ben Carroll visited the Ballarat centre today for its official opening.

The Allan Labor Government is delivering a world-class athletics track for Ballarat, announcing work on the project will soon kick-off. Premier Jacinta Allan today announced that Victorian-based Ausdecom will start works to transform the former Ballarat Showgrounds to create the Ballarat Major Events Precinct with new sporting facilities and public spaces.