Michelle Harvey

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to Michelle Harvey who will once again this year coordinate Maitland's reverse calendar campaign. Last year 200 families participated in Maitland's reverse advent calendar collecting over two tonnes of food for distribution. This year Michelle is hoping to support 300 families. The drive asks supporters to fill a box with 24 items for a family in need. It reverses the traditional advent calendar tradition to support those that most need it during the festive season. The boxes are then distributed by the team at Maitland Region Community Support (MRCS). Michelle borrowed the reverse advent calendar idea from Ballarat's Heather Luttrell, who wanted to change Christmas from being about receiving and put the focus back on giving. Lots of communities across Australia now take part in the initiative. By working with MRCS, Michelle is so pleased that the boxes get to exactly who most needs them in the community. Thank you Michelle, and congratulations Maitland for your support of this great initiative.