CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Dr GARLAND (Chisholm) (10:22): I'd like everyone here in this chamber to take a moment and think back to the very first time you all rose to speak to deliver your first speech. I know many in this chamber are now polished speakers, but there was I'm sure nothing like that first moment—the first feeling of privilege that came with representing your community here in the parliament and also defining yourself as a member in this place.
There was probably a bit of nervousness too, knowing that people were watching. Now imagine if there were a place where people could build their confidence in public speaking and help them find their voice. Well, through the Toastmasters, there is a place where people can do that.
It is an international organisation that has spent decades fostering environments where people feel empowered to step outside their comfort zone and develop their public speaking skills, discovering what they're capable of. On Monday, one of my local Toastmasters clubs, the Glen Waverley Toastmasters, celebrated an incredible 50 years. Since 1976, generations of members have come through the Glen Waverley Toastmasters looking to challenge themselves, grow as communicators and connect with others.
The club has helped shape confident leaders, foster lifelong friendships and create a strong sense of community that continues to this day. I particularly want to acknowledge and thank Eddie Soon, who served as toastmaster of the evening and expertly, I'm told, hosted the proceedings, as well as Rob Owers, the club charter president and Charles Adams, a club charter member, both of whom remain part of the club 50 years on from its founding.
Remarkable! It is an absolutely terrific testament to the strength and community spirit of Glen Waverley Toastmasters. I also want to acknowledge Sothea Van, Vice President, Alok Nath, President, and Graeme Bond, Treasurer, for their ongoing leadership and commitment to the club's continued success.
I want to sincerely thank the Glen Waverley branch for its incredible work in strengthening our community and supporting people to grow in confidence and in leadership. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone. I'm not at all surprised by the success of Glen Waverley Toastmasters Club, because the part of Melbourne I am so proud to represent in this place has produced two Speakers of the House, both trailblazing women: the honourable Anna Burke, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and my predecessor as the member for Chisholm; and the honourable Joan Child AO, the member for the overlapping and now abolished seat of Henty and the first female Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives.
Both used their communication skills to advocate social justice and to make history in this parliament. Happy jubilee to Glen Waverley Toastmasters Club. I look forward to many years to come.