Over the last four weeks some truly magnificent events have occurred in Western
Victoria Region: the completion and formal opening by the Minister for
Environment and Climate Change, Mr Jennings, of the $14 million Portland Trawler
Wharf; the arrival of the $20.8 million south-west emergency helicopter at its
home base in Warrnambool, greeted by the Minister for Health, Mr Andrews, and
more than 500 local community residents; and the Premier opening the $3.4
million National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton.
I wish to thank Minister Jennings, Minister Andrews, the
Minister for Agriculture, Mr Helper, and the Premier for their leadership in
making industry infrastructure, emergency infrastructure and health services for
farming families priorities for western Victoria.
I also thank all the community members who have provided input
in all three projects. The first two projects have been long journeys and have
given rise to excellent outcomes. The third project will put farmers, farming
families and the town of Hamilton on the map as the national leader in the
identification and study of and practical solutions for farming health.
I also formally thank the six volunteers who I provided with
certificates last Wednesday in Allansford: Barbara McLeod, Betty Wickham, Graeme
McLeod, Laurie Gunnulson, Marion Treweek and Rosemary Isaac. They have done a
fantastic job in cataloguing photographs and objects held by the Cheese World
Museum, enhancing displays and interpretation as well as conservation and
restoration work.