Werribee is where I grew up, where I went to school, and where I first learned the value of community. From being school captain at MacKillop College to volunteering with local groups, this community has shaped who I am. I’ve always looked for opportunities to give back to the community that has given me so much.
As a volunteer firefighter, I’ve seen firsthand the difference our emergency services make in keeping people safe, which is why community safety is so important to me.
As a former schoolteacher, I worked closely with young people and saw the importance of steering them away from a life of crime.
Labor has invested in more police for Wyndham and delivered the largest police station and law courts outside Melbourne’s CBD. Since I’ve been in Parliament, we’ve introduced tougher bail laws, banned machetes, expanded police weapons search powers alongside Adult Time for Violent Crime. We’ve also established the Violence Reduction Unit and placed early intervention officers in schools to help keep our young people on the right path.
Like many people in Wyndham, I drive to work and catch the train into the city, so I know how frustrating congestion can be. That’s why Labor is getting on with the job of improving the roads and public transport our community relies on.
We’re delivering the Wyndham Ring Road to better connect Werribee’s west with Tarneit, upgrading the Main Road interchange, and improving traffic flow on Ballan Road. We’ve already delivered the West Gate Tunnel, which is helping people spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.
We’ve also delivered the Metro Tunnel, paving the way for more services on the Werribee Line. We’re removing level crossings, and we’re expanding bus services across Werribee and Mambourin to keep Wyndham moving.
As our community grows, it’s important that families have access to great schools. Labor has built seven new schools in Werribee with more upgrades on the way. I know these are the investments that can make the biggest difference in the quality of our children’s education.
Keeping our growing community healthy is also important to me. We’ve made major upgrades to the Werribee Mercy Hospital, but we know there is more to do. That’s why Labor is building a better Emergency Department and has opened the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
I know there is more work to do. Labor has a real plan to support our growing community, deliver better healthcare, and support families with cost-of-living help that make a real difference.
I am a lifelong local who will fight for the issues that matter most to our community: community safety, cost of living, healthcare, schools and our local roads. This community has given me so much and it is an honour to keep giving back to the place I proudly call home.
