TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Trade and Investment) (09:36): I rise to update the house on the marvellous efforts of the Werribee Tigers in the 2023 VFL season. The Werribee Football Club has a rich history, and the club has been a meeting place for the local community since forming in 1965.

Sport is so important beyond its physical benefits. Whilst it encourages teamwork, fitness and friendship, it can bring communities together, and the Werribee Tigers have done this year after year, building rapport with our vast multicultural communities that make Wyndham their home. A special thanks goes out to Mark Penaluna, CEO of the club, whose contributions to Wyndham have not gone unnoticed. The Tigers are running home on a Werribee straight with 15 consecutive wins, with the team finishing second on the season ladder, just missing out on the minor premiership by a percentage point. It was heartbreaking. This incredible achievement was made possible due to the stellar leadership of captain Nick Coughlan and the excellent coaching of Michael Barlow and his team of assistant coaches. This weekend I will be at Chirnside Park cheering on the Tigers as they play Box Hill in Saturday’s qualifying final. I encourage all of Werribee to join me to cheer on our local team. Kick-off is at 2 pm. Tickets start from just $10 for adults, and it is free for kids. I wish the team the very best of luck as they march towards the grand final.