Ballarat will host a NRL pre-season match for the first time when Melbourne Storm take on Newcastle Knights on 27 February 2022 at Mars Stadium in a win for rugby league fans and local businesses.

The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring families in need can continue putting a meal on the table with fresh food and meals delivered through community food relief programs.

Ballarat’s growing ranks of BMXers and skaters can now take their riding to the next level thanks to the completion of a new BMX pump track complete with skate elements, the latest new sport and recreation facilities to open at the fast-developing Strengthening Wendouree Community Recreation Precinct.

I thank Ms Addison, Member for Wendouree, for her question and acknowledge her interest in improving the social housing outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians within the Ballarat community.

My constituency question is to the Minister for Community Sport. How is the Andrews Labor government supporting the community sports sector to recover from the pandemic and operate in a COVID-safe way?

I am very pleased to stand to contribute to today’s grievance debate, the last one for the parliamentary year, and it is an excellent opportunity to be able to reflect on three years of the 59th Parliament of Victoria and look forward to the state election to be held in November.

Congratulations to the 95 outstanding young people and adult allies nominated for and winners of the City of Ballarat Youth Awards 2021.

I would also like to congratulate our graduating school students who have completed their assessments and exams.

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, and the action I seek is that the minister provide me with an update on the Foodbank hub project in my community of Ballarat.

Firstly, may I offer my deepest condolences to Ms Addison on the recent loss of her beloved father Les Dickinson. The Victorian Government’s investment of $16 million into the establishment of the Brain Cancer Centre will improve brain cancer diagnosis and prognosis for paediatric, adolescent and adult patients by adopting a holistic approach.

Work to revitalise the heritage style rail gates at the Humffray Street level crossing has been completed, following extensive consultation with Heritage Victoria.

The Andrews Labor Government is helping agricultural and pastoral shows across the state bounce back from the pandemic, and welcome visitors through the gates again.

The Victorian Government is supporting community history projects across the state, making the Ballarat region’s rich history more accessible for all Victorians.

The Victorian Government is committed to bringing top-tier national sporting content to the Ballarat region. These events support Victoria’s visitor economy, providing a continued boost for local businesses and tourism operators.

The Andrews Labor Government is helping more Victorians find work, with new data out today showing near record low unemployment for regional Victoria.

I am pleased to hear from the Member from Wendouree that Foodbank Victoria’s Farms to Families program is valued by the community.