Ms SPENCE (Yuroke—Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Youth) (10:11): I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the many Hume City Council candidates and our new councillors. In Aitken ward Carly Moore was returned with great support from local residents, recognising her strong leadership as mayor. Joseph Haweil, a passionate advocate for our diverse multicultural communities, was also re-elected. In Meadow Valley ward Naim Kurt and Karen Sherry were both returned after being keenly engaged with local issues throughout their time on council, and they will be joined by fresh voices in Chris Hollow and Sam Misho. Congratulations also to Jarrod Bell, who will be a terrific new voice in Jacksons Creek ward, joining longstanding councillor Jack Medcraft.

There were also many candidates who were not successful on this occasion. In particular I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Chandra Bamunusinghe, Ravinder Kaur, Guri Singh, Paskal El Ali, Yasemin Yigit and Mikaela Sadkiewicz, each of whom worked incredibly hard and ran energetic and enthusiastic campaigns. Likewise, this term of council will not be the same with the absence of Geoff Porter, Drew Jessop and Ann Potter. These councillors have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment and passion for our community over many years, and their enthusiasm and wisdom will be greatly missed. I served with all three on council and can attest to their unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community. I wish all Hume councillors and staff all the very best for the term ahead, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with all of them to achieve positive outcomes for our terrific local community.