I am always proud to stand up in the Parliament to talk about all the great events going on in Ballarat and what a terrific community we have. Last week, I had the opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in the Ballarat Cycle Classic and also talk about the amazing performance by the talented cast, crew and orchestra of the LYRIC Theatre presents: Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical.

Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (09:54:54): Congratulations to everyone who was involved with the Ballarat Cycle Classic, which was held on Sunday, 17 February. It is a very successful event, where participants can ride, walk or run for cancer research.

I was pleased to participate with my husband and our daughters. On a glorious Ballarat morning we jumped on our bikes and thoroughly enjoyed completing the family ride around Lake Wendouree.

What is great about the Ballarat Cycle Classic is that 100 per cent of all registrations and donations from the event go to cancer research in Ballarat. So far $180 000 has been raised. Tomorrow night I look forward to attending the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute’s International Women’s Day event with my mum and further supporting cancer research in Ballarat.

Ms ADDISON: Ballarat has a great tradition of high-quality community theatre, and this year’s Ballarat Lyric Theatre production of Jekyll & Hyde The Musical is no exception. I was thrilled to attend the opening night performance at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts last Thursday.

Congratulations to Lyric Theatre president Michael Whitehead, director Stephen Armati as well as the choreographer, musical director and choral director on an extraordinary show.

Congratulations to the cast, crew and orchestra on their dark and disturbing presentation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s challenging tale. The performances were compelling, especially Dylan Shalless’s powerful and chilling portrayal of both the hero and the villain of the story. Megan Scott’s performance of Lucy Harris captured the hearts of the audience, and Carmen Morris’s Emma Carew was truly professional.

It was great to see so many young people involved in the performing arts, and I wish them very well in the future.

Watch more videos here, or otherwise click here to read more of my contributions in Parliament.