Women aspiring to become a local councillor are being encouraged to apply for a new program as the Andrews Labor Government continues the push for gender equity in the local government sector.

The Andrews Labor Government will provide fresh and healthy food with the new Ballarat Foodbank Hub, ensuring food relief gets to the people who need it most.  

The Andrews Labor Government has stocked Victorian waterways, including in the Ballarat region, with a record 10 million fish over the past year, setting a new nationwide record.

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a major boost for local jobs in Ballarat with recruitment underway for skilled manufacturing, procurement, testing, and factory fit-out roles as part of the X’Trapolis 2.0 train build.

I was sorry to hear about the devastating fire at Reid’s Guesthouse in Ballarat resulting in its temporary closure and the displacement of 50 guests. I appreciate the hard work by all involved in securing alternative accommodation for these people. 

Encouraging young Victorians to pursue a career in the civil construction industry, the Andrews Labor Government’s regional road maintenance blitz is making a significant investment into supporting apprentices across the state.

I thank the Member for Wendouree for her question and commend her on her continued advocacy for community sport in her local community.

With Ballarat officially announced as one of four regional hubs for Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with plans to deliver this global sporting event. 

In addition to building state-of-the-art theatres, a women and children’s hub and a new emergency department, the Andrews Labor Government will boost accessibility and safety at the Ballarat Base Hospital by creating two new entrances separating emergency vehicles and the public.

A busy Sebastopol intersection will become the first of its kind in Ballarat to feature a new safety-boosting design as part of an Andrews Labor Government investment.

The Victorian Government has a strong history of investing in sporting facilities and initiatives to support national and international sporting and major events in Ballarat.

I thank the Member for Wendouree for her question and her outstanding advocacy for improved roads in her community.

My constituency question is for the Minister for Mental Health. Minister, how is the government increasing awareness of mental health services in my electorate of Wendouree?

I would like to congratulate the Ballarat Clarendon College girls first on winning the schoolgirls coxed four national title at the Australian Rowing Championships.

I too am pleased to speak on this bill that will improve road safety for our community, and I welcome the bipartisan support from those opposite.

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Housing, and the action that I seek is for the minister to provide me with an update about the temporary closure of Reid’s Guest House in Ballarat and what steps have been taken to support displaced guests.