Great day for the beach. Got to meet the team at Southern Peninsula Community Support, including Kera, Miranda and Jeremy, where I learned that they hand out 260 bags of produce per week. And that RACV Cape Schank Resort provides 100 cooked meals. Portable showers are available, provided by community fundraising. Next I met with Ben Smith at Mornington Community Support Centre, where I was able to learn about the excellent and invaluable services they provide. Included in thi

It is my firm belief that public housing IS healthcare. Public housing is NOT a last resort for the vulnerable. Public housing is a foundation of any strong economy who supports their essential workers. The judgement and stigma cultivated by those in power is a deliberate erosion of government responsibility. Margaret has been advocating for herself and others after being removed from her home in Barak Beacon so that gentrification and profit can replace community support and

Took a walk with Iyo today to visit the Open Day at Montrose CFA. Got to chat with the volunteers about what they need, and if they feel supported to deal with the change in our climate and the more devastating disasters on the way. The overwhelming reality - we need to invest in our rescuers, so they can rescue us. Big thanks to the teams from Upwey, Wandin and Montrose for the chat!

This week I was proud to represent our nurses in Victoria at the biennial National Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Delegates Conference. Advocating for better health outcomes, dignity in care delivery, staff retention and safe workplaces. We heard from so many great speakers and I enjoyed conversations with colleagues from across the country. There was so much fire in the room. Nurses and Midwives standing up for a fairer, safer system for all. Something important

With some friends I attended the launch of ‘Walk In Her Shoes’, a moving collection of stories from women who have survived homelessness, that will travel across Victoria through 2026. Bree, Diana & Vanessa delivered their stories of homelessness. To them a home means: family, safety, dignity, a future, opportunities, everything. We heard the heartbreak from Leanne at Community Information & Support Centre Cranbourne, who spoke of being forced to give out vouchers for tents

Visited the Southern Women's Action Network SWAN meeting on the gorgeous Mornington Peninsula and met many determined and dedicated women fighting to improve the lives of others. I heard Belinda present about their actions with Victoria Parliament and helping those experiencing homelessness. And learned that the Peninsula currently has the highest rate of people sleeping rough in Victoria, surpassing Melbourne City. I heard Lyn speak about their actions to raise awareness of

Enjoyed an amazing and inspiring visit at the Zero Waste Festival in Melbourne, learning from climate rescue enthusiasts, experts and entrepreneurs. Got to catch up with the youth panel hosted by Konrad Benjamin (@punterspolitics), and featuring Clancy Lester (@beesandblossoms.aus), student Saina Mirpuri, Elly Hanrahan (@globalvoicesau) and Connor Wright (@djindjabad) to chat about the changes we need to see for a bright future. These young people are the embodiment of hopefu

It was a wonderful and emotional day standing with residents, community groups and supporters at the rally for public housing in Melbourne on the 2nd August. We heard from Hank, Jeanie and Helima, residents of the public towers under threat of demolition, and the crippling effects of our governments decisions. Harry of RAHU (Renters And Housing Union) was inspiring, and Zac of Stop the Demo pointed out that ‘Public Housing IS Healthcare’. Our reality right now: The Victorian