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
Energy Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
June 24, 2021 - Parliament
Let me contribute to this debate on the Energy Legislation Amendment Bill 2021. My comments today will submit that this bill is needed as Victoria transitions to new forms of energy which will not only drive down emissions but ensure we meet our emissions targets...
Business Support Following Circuit-Breaker Lockdown
June 24, 2021 - Parliament
My question is for the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery and concerns the support being provided to businesses in my electorate of Hawthorn during the circuit-breaker lockdown. The more than $500 million circuit-breaker business support package is helping Victorian businesses directly affected by the...
Safety on Toorak Road & The Pasifika Youth Research Project
June 24, 2021 - Parliament
TOORAK ROAD, CAMBERWELL, ROAD SAFETY Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (09:56): I rise today to provide two important updates from the Hawthorn electorate. Standing alongside the member for Burwood, I am glad to represent a Victorian government improving road safety on Toorak Road near Hartwell Primary School....
Education and Training Reform Amendment (Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership) Bill 2021
June 23, 2021 - Parliament
It gives me great pleasure to contribute to the debate on the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership) Bill 2021. As the founding principal of a non-government secondary school for nearly 29 years, a recent recipient of a masters degree...
Gardiner’s Creek Loan of $5.4M
June 10, 2021 - News, Parliament
Constituency Question My question is for the Minister for Community Sport and concerns the $5.4 million loan provided to the Gardiners Creek corridor trail in my electorate of Hawthorn in the latest round of the government’s community sports infrastructure loans scheme. The scheme provides low-interest...
My First Jab of the Astra-Zeneca Vaccine
June 10, 2021 - News, Parliament
Member’s Statement Although currently unable to visit a gym, I recently received my first jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine at Access Health and Community in Hawthorn. Today I want to encourage my constituents, fellow Victorians and Australians to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If...
Child Wellbeing and Safety (Child Safe Standards Compliance and Enforcement) Bill 2021
June 9, 2021 - News, Parliament
Bill Speech Over lunch the discussion was with the German philosopher Goethe, who said, ‘As knowledge grows, so does doubt’. I have sometimes observed that this is a problem for some of us here in this place—but nonetheless, let me just say there appears to...
Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) Bill 2021
June 8, 2021 - News, Parliament
Bill Speech I rise today to speak on the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) Bill 2021. As a former educator I will contend that this bill is essential in ensuring schools are safe places of work and learning for staff and...
Compass Education
April 1, 2021 - News, Parliament
Member’s Statement Given on 16 March 2021. “I recently visited the offices of Compass Education, an education technology platform, and met with founders John de la Motte and Lucas Filer and their friendly staff. Compass is a popular all-in-one school management system that helps schools...
Honouring Hawthorn’s Citizen Of The Year
February 4, 2021 - News, Parliament
It was my pleasure on Thursday the 4th of February 2021, to take a moment in Parliament to honour Yvonne Giltinan, a Hawthorn constituent who was recognised by the City of Boroondara on the 26th of January as both Citizen of the Year, and Outstanding...