I was able to reflect recently on the region I grew up in, call home and now have the honour to represent in Australia’s Federal Parliament. The reflection was in the context of my First Speech in the House of Representatives. My theme was ‘opportunity’, and could there be a better example anywhere in the world of a place where people create and take opportunities than the Goulburn Valley?
I talked about the opportunity I had been given thanks to the vibrant agricultural industries that surround us – particularly in fruit and dairy. The opportunity that the Goulburn Valley offers to so many who have come from around the world and who have made this one of the most successful examples of multiculturalism on the planet. The opportunity young people are increasingly being offered due to an array of tertiary education courses that they can complete without having to relocate to a major capital city.
The Goulburn Valley is an amazing part of Australia and has done so much for so many people. The challenge now is to not let the momentum slip and continue to create opportunity for generations to come.
