Kylee Bates, CEO of Ardoch Youth Foundation visited me in my office today sand told me about the fantastic work the organisation is doing in linking volunteer classroom helpers and mentors with schools and students.  Ardoch works alongside schools and teachers to help young people – from pre-school to secondary school – gain greater confidence in reading, numeracy, learning generally, and life opportunities. Ardoch places screened and trained volunteers into primary and secondary school classrooms at the request of partner schools to support the teachers.

Above: Kylee Bates, CEO of Ardoch Youth Foundation with Maria Vamvakinou MP. 

Financial counselling can have an enormous impact on the lives of my constituents experiencing financial difficulties and today I got to see that first hand through the 'Day in the Life' Project. I was given an opportunity to meet with the financial counsellors at Uniting Vic Tas who talked me through the services they provide and meet with constituents who were struggling with financial difficulties and the stressful impact this has on their life. 

Above: Meeting the team - with the financial counsellors from Uniting Vic Tas. 

We discussed the main challenges my constituents face who struggle with debt, and they talked me through their role in providing this important service. 

The financial counselling service supports people on low incomes and those experiencing financial difficulties to achieve financial security and independence. The service is free of charge and counsellors are bound by law to keep matters relating to finances confidential. 

GPAN is a youth led project at Banksia Gardens working towards the prevention of violence against women in my electorate. GPAN recently launched the inaugural Eurydice Dixon Gender Equality Champions Award, to celebrate young leaders working toward gender equity in the community.

I reflected in Parliament on some of the significant moments in my electorate that have made my job as the local Member enjoyable and rewarding.

The Calwell community in which I represent inspires me. It is a strong, diverse, and spirited community, a wonderful community that rises to challenges in a way that makes me proud.