Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — I rise to acknowledge two of the terrific women in the Yuroke electorate, who have each contributed greatly to our community. It is a testament to her character and contribution that a representative from each level of government was on hand to congratulate Joan Dudman for receiving her life membership of the Labor Party at an afternoon tea last Friday. With over 40 years of membership, Joan is a foundation member of the Craigieburn branch, and she recalls how many years ago she letterboxed the entire suburb on her own. That is why so many grateful members, including the federal member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, and the mayor of Hume, Drew Jessop, turned out to thank her last Friday. I know Joan will continue to contribute to our movement over the coming years, and I take this opportunity to once again thank her.

I also wish to congratulate Masad Alfayadh, a winner of this year’s Corporal Cameron Baird Memorial Awards. Masad was recognised for launching local charity Happy Brain Education, which runs classes providing tutoring, mentoring and support for students in Melbourne’s outer north. Masad is studying medicine at Monash University and has an impressive record of volunteer work, from mental health retreats to health workshops for newly arrived refugees. I look forward to Masad joining me for the next Yuroke Youth Advisory Council meeting to talk about her remarkable contribution and experiences as a community leader.

Both of these women have contributed in their own way to make our community a better place. I thank them for all they have done, and I hope others look to them as role models for achieving their goals and being passionate about what they believe in.