Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (14:44): My question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport.
How is the Minister ensuring that Stationeers in my community are supported to undertake their volunteer work now that the program has transitioned to VicTrack management?
I have been proud to support the Northcote Stationeers for many years, including successfully advocating for Metro to install taps so volunteers do not have to lug buckets of water to keep young plantings alive.
Led by Sharon, Alun, Ann, Stewart, Susan, Cathy, Jill, and many more active volunteers, they have spent more than a decade transforming Northcote Station.
They have planted, pruned, weeded, watered, and mulched to create a lush garden cherished by our community.
Recently, I met with Sharon to discuss concerns about the onboarding requirements, confusion around responsibilities, and the risk of volunteer disengagement due to increased barriers to participation.
Stationeers support rail safety, but they need greater clarity and stronger backing in the significant volunteer role they play in caring for our station grounds.
