Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I rise to inform the house of several initiatives of the Andrews Labor government designed to strengthen the local community in my electorate of Werribee. The government is supporting State Emergency Service (SES) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers in their life-saving work through the $13 million volunteer emergency services equipment program. I joined the Wyndham SES and their unit controller, Laurie Russell, who has served an incredible 48 years as an SES volunteer, to announce funding for the purchase of a new patrol vehicle. Trevor Weston and the team of volunteers at the Wyndham Vale CFA will receive funding for a thermal imaging camera.

We are also investing in the future of our local youth. The $20 million Reconnect program for young people will support Jennie Barrera and her team at the Wyndham Community and Education Centre. On a recent visit to launch the program I met early school leavers Jack and Emily who will have greater access to education and training services through this funding.

My electorate is rich in cultural diversity, and the Andrews government is supporting that diversity with recent grants to organisations such as the Wyndham Interfaith Network and the Karen language group. These groups do valuable work in building our community and promoting inclusivity.

Finally, Werribee Mercy Hospital will receive almost $90 000 to expand the role of allied health assistants in rehabilitation programs for stroke victims. My electorate of Werribee demonstrates how investing in local communities makes them healthier, stronger and more inclusive.