The Allan Labor Government is ensuring Ballarat families and carers of people facing mental health challenges get the support they need, with a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre now open. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today joined Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, Member for Eureka Michaela Settle and Ripon Martha Haylett to officially open the Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre on Dawson Street North – joining the network of Connect centres across Victoria.

The Allan Labor Government is boosting mental health support for young people across Ballarat and surrounding areas, with construction now underway on a new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt joined Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, Member for Eureka Michaela Settle and Ripon Martha Haylett today to turn the first sod for the new multi-million-dollar, 10-bed centre, located at 31-39 Durham Street.

I am very proud today to speak on the bill that seeks to increase and strengthen protection for Victorian renters.

The Allan Labor Government has kicked off works to upgrade accessibility and connectivity at Ballarat Station that will make it easier for all passengers to get around the station precinct. Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Melissa Horne today announced the work site for the project had been established, which will deliver a new pedestrian overpass, along with lifts and stairs installed at both platforms.

The Allan Labor Government is providing more free public WiFi in Bendigo and Ballarat – connecting locals with work, study and family, and improving services for visitors. Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams today announced that the new and upgraded infrastructure meant free WiFi was now available at more than 140 outdoor locations across central Bendigo and Ballarat.

The Allan Labor Government has unveiled the final designs for Ballarat Station which delivers a wide range of accessibility upgrades for passengers, while respecting the heritage of the transport precinct. The final designs will significantly improve accessibility of the station – making it easier for people with a disability, as well as passengers with prams and luggage, to get around the station and use public transport.

Ballarat footy fans will have more chances to see the stars of the game up close, with the Allan Labor Government securing AFL and AFLW games in Ballarat for the next three seasons. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison representing the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events today announced the partnership will see two Western Bulldogs AFL home and away matches and one AFLW match at MARS Stadium each year – attracting visitors to the city and giving locals plenty to cheer about.

The Allan Labor Government is bringing more elite netball to regional Victoria for fans and families to enjoy, across Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon over the next three years. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison representing the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events today joined Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman and Vixens and Australia Diamonds superstars Kate Moloney and Jo Weston at Selkirk Stadium in Ballarat to announce the exciting pre-season matches.

We need to talk about lived experience. We need to amplify and hear the voices of lived experience.

Congratulations to the Ballarat city brass band on a successful year. Well done to president Troy Cheesman, the executive and the committee.

This week marks just two years since the last state election and six years of being an MP, a job that I absolutely love. I am so proud to represent my community and never take for granted what a privilege it is to be the member for Wendouree.

I am delighted to rise to talk about the Environment and Planning Committee report. Securing the Victorian food supply is an existential issue for our state now and into the future. As Victoria’s population continues to grow, the impact of urban sprawl in Melbourne and regional cities like mine in Ballarat is impacting our food producers and our farming industry.

The stage is set for a new and more inclusive era for patrons and performers at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today at ‘Resurgence’, the City of Ballarat’s official reopening event held at the theatre.

The Allan Labor Government is giving young Ballarat locals access to the mental health support they need and deserve, with the new Ballarat Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) Centre one step closer. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today unveiled designs for the new multi-million-dollar, 10-bed youth mental health project to be located in the heart of Ballarat – with construction set to commence later this year.

The Allan Labor Government is making rental properties safer by requiring smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks for all residential rental properties. Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams today joined the Scarff family in Ballarat to announce new reforms requiring rental providers to conduct smoke alarm checks every 12 months, and gas and electrical safety checks every two years, for all rentals – no matter when the lease started.

My question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. How has the Allan Labor government’s support for AFL matches at Mars Stadium benefited the Ballarat community?