Mooroolbark Girl Guides, Casey Volunteer & Community Awards

Mr VIOLI (Casey—Opposition Chief Whip) (10:17): Saturday night was a perfect night for a run around Kiloran Park in Mooroolbark with the Mooroolbark Girl Guides. I was glad that my kids and I could join the guides for a two-kilometre run as part of their Ranbooree Fun Run to raise funds for the girls to get to the international jamboree event in New South Wales. The two-kilometre run was nothing for guide parent Chris, who ran 100 kilometres on the day, passing every guide hall in the Yarra Ranges, including Mooroolbark, Lilydale, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Healesville, Montrose and Mount Evelyn. He also stopped at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery and the Silvan Football Netball Club. I'd like to congratulate Chris on his huge efforts to get help to the girls so they can get to the jamboree. I wish the Mooroolbark Girl Guides all the best with their fundraiser, and I can't wait to hear about the experience at the New South Wales jamboree.

Events like this wouldn't be possible without the hardworking volunteers and families who give so much to ensure the smooth running of local community groups. In Casey, we are fortunate to have many local volunteers and community groups who give so much without ever asking for anything in return. To recognise their dedication, I'm pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Casey Volunteer & Community Awards. These awards are an opportunity to recognise the outstanding individuals and groups who make our community stronger and more connected through their service.

Whether it's a tireless volunteer, a grassroots organisation or a quiet achiever who goes above and beyond, our volunteers deserve to be celebrated. It's an opportunity to think about the people in your life: RSL members, Rotary members, men's sheds, Probus, a sporting club, the CWA or perhaps someone who volunteers with our emergency services, works with animals or supports our young people. It could be someone who helps keep local organisations running or otherwise goes out of their way to support others in need and make our community stronger. If someone comes to mind, I encourage you to put their name forward and nominate them for the 2025 Casey Volunteer & Community Awards. I'm looking forward to seeing the room packed with volunteers and community groups at the awards this November.

These awards are so important because these volunteers do so much. They are so humble. They don't want praise. They don't want recognition. Every time one of these award winners receives it, they say someone else is more deserving. But they are deserving. They give so much to our community, and we need to and we should celebrate them. Thank you to all the previous winners. I look forward to celebrating with all of those volunteers later this year.