Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (16:20): I want to acknowledge the great work of Soul+Food in my electorate of Wendouree, a service which offers non-judgemental support to those who need it by supplying food items and personal care products. Our Labor government provided $76,000 to the Soul+Food community hub, and the organisation continues to thrive and go from strength to strength.

I want to congratulate Veronica Tirchett, Peter Debreki, Pastor John, Pastor Jaiden and David for their leadership and compassion, as well as the 45 volunteers for the contribution they make.

Importantly, Soul+Food provides not only emergency food relief but connection, support and community for individuals and families doing it tough, whether they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, fleeing family violence or feeling isolated and alone. The hub provides nutrition for the body and the soul and is open every Thursday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the corner of Grevillea and Learmonth roads, Wendouree.

There are many reasons for Soul+Food’s success, including the support of Ballarat’s newly established Foodbank as well as the generosity of many companies, including StarTrack Express, Bunnings, McCain’s, Aesop, Share the Dignity, Domino’s Pizza, Good360, FareShare and Big W, as well as local businesses Sunnybank eggs, 1816 Bakehouse, Natures Cargo and Golden Nugget Bakery. I would really like to shout out to the Sebastopol Lions Club for their support as well.

Soul+Food is also supporting people to access services, with Centrelink every fortnight providing advice and answers.

You can take a look at more of my speeches to Parliament here.