Last week, volunteers across our electorate were celebrated for their valuable work.

I want to commend each and every single person who donates their time to help others and support organisations. Our community would not turn without you. 

During the week I had the opportunity to spend some time volunteering at GV Hospice Op Shop.

The shop filled with quality second hand good helps fund the incredible work of GV Hospice, a not-for-profit, home-based palliative care service provides specialist support to people living with a life limiting illness. 

I also had the opportunity to call members from 21 local organisations and inform them that their club has been successful in their application for the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants. 

This week I was please to announce $12,000 will go to Goulburn Valley Veterans Services to assist the team in their work in helping veterans and their families access vital veteran services.

I recently met with members of Goulburn Valley Veterans Services and the team do an incredible job helping veterans and their families navigate what they are entitled to and help with the sometimes challenging processes. 

Another $8500 will be shared between Marungi Memorial Park Reserve Committee of Management, Puckapunyal Primary School and Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad. 

The money will be used to complete projects that remember veterans and will also educate residents about their service for generations. 

This money was awarded through the Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

I encourage community organisations, councils and schools to apply for the next round of grants under this program to support similar projects. 

Regional Australia is responsible for a lot of government revenue from our electorate, including agricultural exports, and while this Labor Government happily pockets that revenue, it fails to reinvest in the regions.

Truckies and Farmers will have no choice but to pass on new taxes imposed by the Albanese Government onto consumers.

Regional spending has been pushed out to 2024 with grants programs  announced in October 2022 not even opening for expressions of  interest until July 2023. Every day I speak to locals about projects that advance our region and funds must become available sooner rather than later.

$250 million in new funding for roads across the country is a fraction of what is needed. After two wet years and major flooding, our road network is a mess. Under this Budget our roads will get worse before they get better.

I was privilege to help celebrate 30 years of Echuca Neighbourhood House. An incredible achievement and I want to thank everyone who has been involved over the last 3 decades. 

I recently met with Deb from Numurkah Community Learning Centre. This meeting allowed me to stay up to date with what’s taking place in the town and the needs of the community. 

During Volunteer Week I was honoured to meet with Volunteers of the Numurkah Royal Flying Doctors Community Transport team. A life changing service where volunteers spend time driving some of the regions most vulnerable to medical appointments. 

I also caught up with the team at Girgarre Botanic Gardens. These people are the minds behind the garden and are to thank for bringing in thousands of visitors to our region.
The gardens were supported with over a million dollars from the Nationals while in Government and more funding is needed for regional projects like this.