I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many events that we have missed in Ballarat due to the COVID pandemic, and also the grace and generosity in the way the many organisers have readjusted plans and moved things online wherever possible.

To the Ballarat Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, in the absence of catching up this weekend, I would like to wish you and your families a happy Ganesh Chaturthi and send my best regards for your upcoming online event.

To the students and staff at Ballarat Specialist School, whose show was due to open on Friday, I would like to say chookas for the filming of Rock of Ages, and I look forward to seeing the video of your performance and hearing the amazing rock anthems!

To the Ballarat Malayalee Association and the Ballarat Keralites Foundation: happy Onam! I cannot wait to celebrate this special event with you again in the future.

To the Royal South Street Society, well done on the innovation you have shown by moving some events online and thank you for the rescheduling that you continue to do to try to give competitors the opportunity to perform.

And to Ballarat Lyric Theatre, I was incredibly disappointed that the performances of We Will Rock You could not go ahead as planned, but I am hopeful that next year will bring new opportunities for Ballarat audiences to enjoy your next production.

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