I recently had the pleasure of joining South East Volunteers in celebrating their 40th birthday. This incredible organisation, in conjunction with different levels of government, has served our community with generosity and kindness, empowering social connection and inclusion. Through their transport services that help our most vulnerable neighbours, they provide the dignity and respect that everyone deserves in living an independent and fulfilling life. In 2024 alone South East Volunteers delivered more than 30,000 support interactions, close to 14,000 transport trips and more than 7000 safety register calls, and trained 250 additional volunteers who now serve our community with distinction. They have trained up more than 28,000 volunteers over those 40 years. To the CEO Gavin Watson and the entire team, thank you for all that you do in making our city a safer, more welcoming and inclusive place.
I wish to congratulate the Waverley RSL on their 75th anniversary. A longstanding institution in the heart of the Glen Waverley district, it has played an integral role in recognising and supporting those who have served. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our armed service personnel who have made and continue to make incredible sacrifices. I look forward to continuing my engagement with the Waverley RSL, and I would like to thank the member for Mulgrave for holding the fort at the 75th anniversary.
A special shout-out to the Vermont South bowls club, who are opening their new greens on the weekend. Since winning their first pennant in the 1994–95 season, they have embedded themselves as a powerhouse in bowls competition. Best wishes to president Di Agius and the team for what is sure to be an exciting weekend.
Finally, I was down at Brandon Park Reserve to inspect the progress on a $500,000 investment by the Allan Labor government.