Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — I acknowledge the fantastic work of the Highlands Community Residents Group following the success of last Friday’s Highlands Movie Night, held in partnership with Mount Ridley College in Craigieburn. Over 400 locals braved a chilly night and turned out for a screening of The Lego Movie. This was the second movie event the residents group has held. The movie night included face painting, a graffiti wall, a jumping castle, sausage sizzles and many more activities to ensure a great family night out. Last year’s movie night was such a success that the organisers were awarded the Hume City Council’s 2015 Australia Day award for best community event, and they followed up this year with equal success.

My community shows over and again that the difficulties associated with bringing neighbours together in growth areas are challenges it is completely capable of meeting. I acknowledge and thank the students and leadership team at Mount Ridley College, who played a significant role in helping to run the event. Stuart Hodgson, the president of the Highlands Community Residents Group, also deserves recognition for his leadership, as does the passion and dedication of all community members who are actively involved in the group. I also acknowledge Hume City Council’s role in assisting with community celebrations through both grants and support, and I commend the council for ensuring that fantastic events like this can continue. Congratulations to all involved, and I look forward to next year’s movie night.