STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr NG (Menzies) (13:41): Alkira Disability Services is an amazing NDIS provider who has been supporting my community in Box Hill for over 70 years. I've been fortunate to visit Alkira a number of times in the past few months, and I had the great pleasure of visiting recently with the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing. I'd like to give a special shout-out to Matthew and his red panda, Fluffy, for acting as our official tour guides.

Alkira is a bit like the Tardis. It doesn't look that big from the street, but it's spread across multiple floors and rooms that are all used to their maximum capacity to provide a choice of activities to participants. Matthew and Fluffy showed us the kitchen, where we had a chance to try some blueberry muffins.

There was a music room, where people were singing along to Bryan Adams, and the art room with sculpting and painting. We met a group playing Dungeons and Dragons, and we were shown an op shop staffed by participants and where members of the public could get a bargain and a new outfit. Afterwards, Minister Butler and I had a chat with Alkira's CEO, Julia, as well as members of the board and staff about how we can support them to have another successful 70 years.

Thank you again to Alkira for having us and for providing an inclusive, respectful community for people with disabilities.