The matter I wish to raise tonight is for the attention of the Minister for
Housing. I call on the minister to provide an update on the progress of the
Colac neighbourhood renewal program and to provide support for the Colac men’s
shed. The neighbourhood renewal program in Colac started in 2003. On this side
of the house, we are great supporters of the neighbourhood renewal program as we
have seen its results in many disadvantaged communities, including Colac, and
this is one that has a tremendous success story.
One of the great strengths of neighbourhood renewal is that it
relies on the people in those communities to build skills, and it addresses the
needs and interests of those who live in townships like Colac.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of the Colac
Otway shire for the renewal project and indeed the Colac men’s shed. I ask the
minister to provide support to the Colac men’s shed and its partner, Skills
Connect. The Colac men’s shed offers a place where local men can meet regularly
to share skills and build friendships. The aim of this program is to enhance
men’s personal health and wellbeing and is part and parcel of the government’s A
Fairer Victoria. The men’s shed is in need of financial support for tools and IT
equipment, and I call on the minister to support those claims and enable the
provision of such equipment and continue the support of this facility through
the neighbourhood renewal program.