I was pleased to host the Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, in our local area today. Mr Abbott visited Main Street in Croydon to meet and listen to local traders, police officers and residents about the impact federally funded CCTV cameras have had on reducing crime. Afterwards, he experienced first-hand the operation and effectiveness of the system from the watch room at Croydon Police Station with many of the senior Police who worked so hard to obtain the grant, including Senior Constable Julie Simpson.

Last year Talitha Kooy visited my electorate office with her Mum, Jacky, to talk to me about her determination to raise money to help find a cure for juvenile Diabetes.

Talitha, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2009, asked for my support to help her raise funds for her Walk to Cure Diabetes. I was thrilled to be one of many to support and encourage her.

On Wednesday 17 February, I hosted the inaugural Casey Apprenticeship/Traineeship of the Year Awards ceremony at the Croydon RSL.  It was terrific to recognise the achievements of outstanding local achievers who will no doubt provide the backbone of our local economy for years to come across a broad range of industries.

Many local apprentices and trainees were nominated for the awards by their employers and colleagues. Ten finalists were chosen and judged by an independent panel of local small business owners: