Welcome back folks to the last Connolly’s Corner for the year! 

As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to take the time to reflect on 2021 and the challenges and opportunities it brought with it. There’s no doubt that this year was a tough one for many in our community - and I want to acknowledge those who have lost loved ones to the virus, both in Australia and abroad. They’re a reminder to all of us why it is so important to do the right thing to keep people safe.  

And that’s exactly what more than 90% of Victorians over the age of 12 have done by getting the vaccine to protect themselves, their friends and families, and their communities. Here in Wyndham, we showed the rest of Australia, and indeed the world, what it means to come together and put the wellbeing of others first by getting the jab in record numbers in record time. That’s an outstanding achievement we can all be proud of as we have become one of the most vaccinated places in the world.  

This means Victorians can now look forward to a joyous festive season together with friends and family. We can have those large family Christmas parties, and even get out with friends for New Year celebrations too. I personally can’t wait to feel the warm embrace of my parents and family when I visit them these summer holidays.  

Despite coronavirus, 2021 has also been a very productive year when it comes to State Government projects in my electorate of Tarneit. Whether it’s education or infrastructure, we’re moving full steam ahead - delivering on our commitments. 

We’ve opened another new school with Garrang Wilam Primary School in Truganina, the fourth school to be opened in four years, with land also bought for another three schools already in the pipeline. We’ve progressed with major upgrades to existing schools too, including The Grange P-12 College, Hoppers Crossing Secondary College, Dohertys Creek P-9 and Tarneit Senior College, all benefitting from millions of dollars in capital investment from our Government.  

The $1.8 billion Western Roads Project is finally complete, making a world of difference  for local commuters. The Old Gelong Road Level Crossing is about to go for good, with the new road bridge set to open on December 9th. Two new bus routes that were funded last year commenced operating in May, with another two new routes in development to meet the needs of areas that have grown. And we can’t of course forget the work that is about to ramp up to deliver 500 new and improved parking spaces at Tarneit Station, with designs completed and works set to start early in the new year. 

And how could I finish off without mentioning the thousands of trees that are now calling Wyndham home - after rolling out the first tranche of tree planting as part of our commitment to delivering half a million trees to neighbourhoods across Melbourne’s West over the next two years.  

There’s a lot more to come in 2022, and you’ll be hearing from me in the coming months about our Government’s achievements in the west, and what we can look forward to from a re-elected Andrews Labor Government at the next election 12 months from now. 

But in the meantime, stay safe, enjoy a wonderful festive season with your family, and have a happy new year!