Our Annual General Meeting was held in the Legislative Council Chamber followed by our end of year lunch in the Parliamentary Dining Room.

We were delighted to welcome 60 former MPs back to Parliament House for an enjoyable afternoon catching up with former colleagues from across the political divide. 

Members of the Victorian Parliamentary Former Members Association (VPFMA) were given a tour of Melbourne Park, which included the facilities of Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain indoor arenas, home of many sporting and big name musical acts.

We then crossed Olympic Boulevard to AAMI Park, the main soccer/rugby stadium in Victoria. The tour concluded with lunch at Melb Park’s Saint Andrews Beach Brewery.

The tour commenced in “Centrepiece” with John Harden, CEO of Melb Park presenting the “Vision for the Future of Melbourne Park” and the many facilities, tenants, stakeholders, and people who contribute to the running of this very important asset for the Victorian community.

The tour gave members the opportunity to not only view these major sporting and performing arts facilities but also to see the inner workings of what makes up Melbourne Park.

VPFMA members were very appreciative of the tour which was led by Jack Hayes, communications advisor and staff from Melbourne Park.

The former members returned to Parliament House for an enjoyable evening of lawn bowls. We were delighted to be joined by the Speaker the Hon. Maree Edwards and a number of sitting MPs from across the house.  The bowling green at Parliament House is a unique feature, though for many former members the first time they had the chance to use it is in retirement! 

 

At the end of the 59th Parliament, exiting members were each provided with an Acknowledgement of Service certificate.

These certificates, signed by the Presiding Officer and Clerk of the respective House recorded each member’s period of service, House, political party, ministerial appointments, parliamentary party positions and committee service.

The Parliament has confirmed to the VPFMA that these certificates can also be provided for former members who served in earlier parliaments.

If you would like to obtain an Acknowledgement of Service certificate please contact the VPFMA Secretary at secretary@vicformermembers.org.au

Congratulations to Jennifer Huppert, a former Member for Southern Metropolitan, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

Jennifer has been recognised for service to multicultural affairs through a range of organizations.

Congratulations to Barry Traynor, a former Member for Ballarat East, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

 

Barry has been recognised for service to police welfare, and to the Parliament of Victoria.

Congratulations to Daniel Andrews, a former Member for Mulgrave, on his appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Daniel has been recognised for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, to public health, to policy and regulatory reform, and to infrastructure development.

Congratulations to Donna Hope, a former Member for Carrum, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Donna has been recognised for service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and to bowel cancer awareness.

Congratulations to Suzanna Sheed, a former Member for Shepparton, on her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2024 Australia Day Honours.

Suzanna has been recognised for significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, and to the community.