Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park—Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes) (Thursday, 18 March 2021) (09:47): I rise to inform the house of the great celebration held last week for the official opening of the all-abilities play space in my electorate of Mill Park. This space was delivered in partnership with the City of Whittlesea, and our government contributed $1 million from our Growing Suburbs Fund. I am pleased to have joined Lydia Wilson, chair of the panel of administrators at the City of Whittlesea, to officially open this amazing space and to see for myself the multitude of physical, social, creative and cognitive experiences it provides for children and families of all ages and abilities. This space is at the heart and came from the heart of our local community.

From its inception until its delivery, the input of the community, including the Whittlesea Disability Network, was vital in the development of this space. The play space is equipped with a vast range of play equipment for all abilities and ages—shaded play structures with different levels and challenges, walking links and loops for children’s riding and skating, a hard court for multiple sports, a large picnic shelter with barbecue, an open space area for events and many more amenities. I want to especially thank former councillor Sam Alessi, who played an important role in instigating this proposal. Also special thanks to the City of Whittlesea senior parks project manager Katelin Smith, who looked after this amazing space. The all-abilities play space is now the happiest place in Mill Park. It would not have been possible without partnership between our government and the City of Whittlesea. Since 2015 we have provided through the Growing Suburbs program $33.5 million to deliver 29 projects in partnership with the City of Whittlesea, and I want to thank the Minister for Suburban Development for his support.