ADJOURNMENT

Dr GARLAND (Chisholm) (19:44): I am pleased to once again congratulate some fantastic organisations in my community who are recipients in the most recent round of volunteer grants. Volunteer grants support the work of community organisations that rely on volunteers through removing barriers for people volunteering and promoting awareness of opportunities. I'm always so pleased and privileged to support the incredible work of the groups and volunteers in my electorate, and I often reflect on the wonderful work being undertaken every single day and wonder where our communities would be without them.

We have some truly fabulous organisations in Chisholm, and I'm always inspired to see people in the community volunteering in lots of different organisations to give back to the local area that they love. I think all of us in this place would agree that our communities are all better off because of the incredible power of work that our community organisations and volunteers undertake each and every day.

My electorate of Chisholm was named after perhaps one of Australia's most famous volunteers, Caroline Chisholm. It is so important that we do what we can every day to help support the important work that these organisations and these individuals do. I'm pleased to inform the House that 21 organisations in my community have been approved for funding for volunteer grants.

As is always the case in my electorate of Chisholm, community organisations are invited to apply following a community consultation process that is undertaken with local council representatives. I'm delighted to announce the 21 organisations that were successful in being approved for funding through this latest round of volunteer grants: the Craig Family Centre; Asian Australian Volunteers; the Alamein Football Club; Ashwood High School Community Garden; the Walking Club of Victoria; the Monash Men's Shed; Lum Reserve Tennis Club; the Eastern Devils Football Club; U3A Waverley; the KooyongKoot Alliance; the Waverley Woodworkers; the Combined Probus Club of Syndal; the Mazenod Panthers All Abilities Football Club; the Avalon Centre; Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre; the Lions Club of Boroondara; Monash-Waverley Community Information and Support; Uncle Nine Neighbourhood Centre; Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House; Scouts Victoria 1st Ashburton; and Ashburton Baptist Community Services.

Congratulations to all the successful nominees, and I'm so glad to support the incredibly important work that each and every organisation does. During a break between sittings, it was wonderful to once again visit the Waverley Woodworkers and see the absolutely amazing work their volunteers do for our community. This is a special group in my electorate of Chisholm, and I will always find time to visit.

Waverley Woodworkers have a lot of different groups in their club, including a toy-making group who make beautiful handmade wooden toys that are donated to children who could use a little bit of extra joy. This includes through local charities and community organisations that support families doing it tough and who might not otherwise have the means to provide toys to their children.

It also includes children going through a difficult time, and it also includes kindergartens and other community organisations. It's always such a privilege and a pleasure to see the magic of the handmade toys. They create some wonderful toys in the workshop—toy cars, buses, aeroplanes, horses, stacking blocks, puzzles, boats, play kitchens, cots, carts and a fire station and a dollhouse.

The passion and enthusiasm the Waverley Woodworkers have for giving back to the community is truly amazing, and I am always inspired when I visit them. Every toy is made by a volunteer, and these toys are generously given to children. The time, skills and care that these toys represent are significant, and they help brighten children's days.

A big thankyou to everyone at Waverley Woodworkers for once again hosting me at your workroom for one of your toy-giving ceremonies, and for sharing your love of toys, your love of woodworking and your love of community with so many. I thank you and congratulate you on everything you do. I look forward to continuing to support the work of the Waverley Woodworkers.