There a few items I will be discussing this evening.

On the 26th of November 2008, I was invited to launch Coloured Emotions, an art exhibition from the Parent Support Network. This was the second exhibition organised by the group throughout the year and it was an opportunity for these parents to convey the challenges in caring for a child with a disability. The calibre of peer support and friendship gained through the group is a testament of Jenny Newman, the convenor, who was awarded the Maroondah Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards.

On the 2nd of December 2008, I attended the launch of Enjoying Planned Retirement’s bocce season. EPR is a group for senior citizens and provides a range of activities for its members. The launch of its bocce season provided a chance for EPR to unveil its new barbecue, which was graciously donated to them by Rinnai Australia, after the theft of their previous barbecue.

Last week I was notified by the group that this new barbecue had been stolen, with the locks broken at its storage facility at Norwood Hall in Ringwood North. It is bitterly disappointing that someone would be so callous and steal from a group like EPR, that exists to provide friendship and support for our senior citizens.

Norwood Hall houses three seniors groups and they are working together to prevent such a theft occuring again. The fact that EPR has been hit by theft twice in two years is extremely disheartening.

Last Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Ringwood. The Rotary Club is currently discussing projects to assist people affected by the ongoing bushfires. This Wednesday the club’s guest speaker will be a former Ringwood Rotarian and resident of Marysville, who will discuss the assistance that is required for affected communities.

The recovery efforts from these bushfires will be ongoing and as a community it is important that we recognise this and continue to provide assistance where we can.

Lastly, I would like to thank the many community organisations and individuals who have offered their support to bushfire relief efforts. No matter what group I speak to they have all asked how they can assist in recovery efforts. The strength our community shows in times of need and is truly overwhelming. I thank them for their efforts.