Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (12:50): I would like to congratulate the Ballarat Clarendon College girls first on winning the schoolgirls coxed four national title at the Australian Rowing Championships. The winning crew of Katie Jackson, Ruby Lovel, Elli McClure, Lucy Richardson and cox Baeley Tucker coached by Nicki Plucinski achieved an emphatic victory in the final. The Clarendon girls first have also won the Ballarat Associated Schools Head of the Lake as well as the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta and the national under-19 women’s coxed four. Well done to the school rowing program, the coaches, supporters and their families. I am very proud to have taught four of the five extraordinary rowers—amazing girls on and off the water.

I wish to pay tribute to the Ballarat Combined Charities Christmas Card Shop founder, Connie Sadler, Denise Boyko and the 150 tireless volunteers who have contributed to the success of the organisation since its inception 37 years ago. The shop was opened each festive season and was a place to buy Christmas cards, crafts and tea towels. All profits supported local, national and international charities. I was impressed to hear that more than $700 000 had been distributed to almost 100 organisations. The Ballarat Christmas card shop made the difficult decision to close in 2021. I wish to thank everyone who volunteered and supported the shop.

All the best to Luca Fields and the students at Alfredton Primary School taking part in a mock Parliament this week. I am so pleased to hear you are enjoying learning about government. Perhaps there is a future MP for Wendouree in your class.

Click here to read more of my contributions in Parliament. To access further Hansard transcripts, head to the Parliament of Victoria website.