Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (10:13):

What a 2024 it has been for beautiful Werribee; so much has happened. Three new schools opened in my electorate in 2024: Nganboo Borron School, the Walcom Ngarrwa Secondary College and Laa Yulta Primary School. The construction of the Ison Road overpass continues and will be followed by the removal of a fourth level crossing in Wyndham. I am excited about the expansion of Werribee Mercy’s emergency department, more than doubling its capacity, while the release of the East Werribee Opportunity Statement is an exciting next step for creating more job opportunities in Werribee.

I visited a lot of local schools over the year, and I want to give a shout-out to all the students who contributed to my annual Festive Season in Werribee drawing competition. A winner from each school that entered has been selected and their card designs will soon be out in the community. To the graduating students receiving my annual endeavour award, I say congratulations and offer my best wishes for their future. 2024 will also be remembered in my community as the year the mighty Werribee Tigers took home the VFL flag. The club recently held a family fun run to celebrate that.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge John Forrester, a local resident of my electorate who recently retired from his role as Werribee River keeper. John’s work as a local environmental champion has been full of great passion to protect the local environment. He has been part of the Werribee River Association for 30 years.