December 2024 E-Newsletter

Higgins will be abolished at the next election. It has been an honour to serve this community. I want to thank my constituents for welcoming me on your doorsteps. I have learned a great deal from you. 

Many neighbourhoods will now fall into Chisholm — which is represented by Labor MP Dr Carina Garland. Carina is a long-time resident of Melbourne's southeast. She will serve you dutifully into the future and wants to hear from you! For those now in Macnamara or Hotham, Josh Burns and Clare O’Neil are also keen to hear from you.   

That is why I will be running for the Australian Senate. The Senate has become a place of blockers rather than builders who are more intent on playing politics than in delivering affordable housing, free TAFE or a Future Made in Australia. I am concerned also that the antics of some Senators is bringing the Australian parliament into disrepute.  

As a Senator for Victoria, I will bring reasoned debate and pragmatism, so that a second term Albanese Government can pass policies on issues that matter to people. 

I hope you all have some downtime with your loved ones over the summer and wish you a happy and peaceful festive season. 

I chose to be in a party of government because I wanted to act on problems, not just complain about them. In 2025, I will be running to be part of the Australian Senate on behalf of Victoria. In 2022, we won the seat of Higgins through a groundswell of community action. Campaigns like mine rely on the generosity and activity of people who share my values and want to build a better future for our country. That’s why I need your help. Whether it’s volunteering, making a donation, or simply calling my office to talk about our community, I would be grateful for any support you are willing to give. 

Volunteer for my Senate campaign here.

Donate to my Senate campaign here.

Expressions of Interest for the Volunteer Grants program 2024-25 are now open for organisations based in Higgins.  

Note that although the electorate of Higgins is being abolished, my electorate office will still be managing the Expressions of Interest phase of this process. 

Volunteer Grants recognise the valuable role volunteers play in building more resilient and cohesive communities. Grants of between $1000 and $5000 are available to help community organisations to support their volunteers.  

This year, changes have been made to the Volunteer Grants program to better respond to the environment volunteer organisations are now faced with and our government’s commitment to children and young people.   

There are now two categories for Volunteer Grants which reflect areas of high demand for volunteer organisations:  

• Category 1: for communications and IT items (such as laptops, phones, payment devices and software), and paying for insurance premiums.  

• Category 2: for items and services that support the development and well-being of children and young people under 18.   

More information on the eligibility criteria can be found in the grant opportunity guidelines here Grant Opportunity Guidelines. My office is also happy to help talk you through the information.  

If you wish to submit an expression of interest, please fill out the form available here and return it to arrive at my office by 5 pm, Monday 13 January 2025.  

Email to: [email protected]  

If you require assistance, please call my office on 03 9822 4422 or email us at [email protected] 

Queries can also be sent to: 

Phone: 1800 020 283 

Email: [email protected] 

EACH Reconnexion Clinic 

I recently visited the EACH Reconnexion Clinic in Malvern and saw firsthand the vital work their team does to address benzodiazepine dependency – a growing concern, especially among young adults dealing with anxiety and the elderly. 

Speaking with their skilled counsellors, psychologists and social workers, I learned how they provide crucial support through counselling, group programs and training for GPs across Victoria to better care for those dealing with dependency. 

This clinic plays an essential role in our community and nationwide, offering practical support to patients and GPs. Read more or make contact here. 

Currajong School 

The Currajong School is a registered, independent specialist school in East Malvern. Non-denominational and co-educational, Currajong caters for primary-aged students with social, emotional and behavioural disorders and additional learning needs. Families travel from all over Melbourne to attend the school.  

It was a great pleasure to visit the school on 2 December to celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary. It is a wonderful achievement for a small, independent community school to reach its 50th anniversary, with purpose and values intact. It all comes down to the people … sound leadership, caring and innovative staff, an authentic community of families and learners. That is Currajong. 

Thank you to principal Julian Pharaoh and Year 6 student Sebbo for your warm welcome. 

JoCare 

Based in Malvern, JoCare aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation especially for older residents in Stonnington. To achieve this, JoCare recruits and trains volunteers who are then matched with an older resident to provide them with friendship, support and connection on a regular basis.   

I had the pleasure of attending the JoCare Christmas party. This is a wonderful organisation.  

This year, instead of gifts or in addition to gifts, please consider making a donation to a local charity like JoCare. You can donate here. 

I remain the Federal Member for Higgins until the next election. Please contact my office for assistance with any Commonwealth Government matters. 

Over the summer break, please email my office for assistance. 

Address: Suite 1.03, Level 1, 261 to 271 Wattletree Road Malvern 3144 

Phone: 03 9822 4422 

Email address: [email protected]