Parliamentary Praise For Hawthorn Heroes
It was a joy to take a moment in this sunny week in Parliament to celebrate some of Hawthorn’s wonderful constituents.
Even in the most challenging times, as the COVID winter behind us has certainly been, I am constantly amazed by the selflessness and generosity shown by many of my constituents – whom I like to dub the Hawthorn Heroes.
People like Ricky Kuruppu.
Armed with his typewriter, he has been leaving tiny pieces of paper around the area with grabs of his poetry and uplifting messages of support, with the purpose of trying to inject some positivity into the world.
During the pandemic, people who found these notes, expressed the joy it brought to their day while giving them a sense of optimism in trying times. You can find some of his inspiring work here.
Then there is early childhood educator, Lucille Kent from Hawthorn Early Years.
During the pandemic, Lucy wanted to do something special for her colleagues to show them that they are appreciated and to promote positive mental health. So, she created wellness packs for fellow childhood educators, who as we know, can often be the unsung heroes in the community, but whose work is vital.
In Lucy’s words, one of her goals is to connect further with the wider community, something she believes is important, that we are all aware of the world around us – offering our support and kindness where we can. You can read about her initiative here.
And finally, there is Year 11 Scotch College student, Ben Garson – a conscientious young man who recently won the Victorian Parliamentary Prize for his 90-second members statement, which might just be even better than this one. His inspiring speech can be found here.
Previously
Funding For Multicultural Communities In Hawthorn
November 13, 2020
Next
We're Building A Recovery Workforce
November 12, 2020News
Parliament
Members Statement: Federal Campaign
May 16, 2022 - Parliament
I discussed my concerns about some of the grubby politics that our local Liberal Parliamentarians have engaged in over the course of the Federal Campaign in this weeks Members Statement.
Take Note Motion – Federal Budget 2022
April 14, 2022 - Parliament
I was going to begin with a text for today, but I really cannot let the member for Gembrook get too far away there. I just want to talk about elephants briefly—it is the concept of the elephant in the room. When I hear this...
Gambling and Liquor Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 speech
April 4, 2022 - Parliament
Watch my speech on the Gambling and Liquor Legislation Amendment Bill below.
Invasion of Ukraine
March 18, 2022 - Parliament
As a former officer in the RAAF, I was especially delighted to be given the honour of representing the government at the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. It was a timely reminder that many Australians have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our...
Bialik College & Quest Payment Visits
March 7, 2022 - Parliament
PROTECTING RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND ETHOS
November 29, 2021 - Parliament
Adapted from John Kennedy’s Speech to the Legislative Assembly on 17 November 2021 The Attorney-General’s question and answer document states: ‘We will better balance the right to equality with the right to religious freedom, ensuring protection and promotion of both rights.’ There are colleagues better...
Public Health and Wellbeing Bill
November 1, 2021 - Parliament
Last week, the Public Health and Wellbeing (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 passed in the Assembly after being the source of both public and parliamentary debate. Personally, I think you would be hard pressed to find a better contribution about both the bill and the nature...
Education and Training Reform Amendment (Senior Secondary Pathways Reforms and Other Matters) Bill 2021
October 18, 2021 - Parliament
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (13:39): During 2019—near the end of 2019—the Minister for Education invited me to a busman’s holiday, and basically the busman’s holiday was to chair the reference group in respect of the review into vocational and applied learning pathways in senior secondary schooling....
Member’s Statement: Homelessness Week
August 6, 2021 - News, Parliament
Member’s Statement, given on the 5th of July, 2021. This week is Homelessness Week. I find it astonishing that in an affluent country such as ours over 116 000 people experience homelessness on any given night. Research has shown that secure and affordable housing is...
Constituent Question – VCAL Reforms
August 3, 2021 - Parliament
My question is for the Minister for Education and is regarding the proposed VCAL reforms. The integration of VCAL into the VCE follows a review by former Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority CEO John Firth. I was pleased to chair the expert reference group for...