Ex-MP the new boss

By Danielle Galvin
FORMER Labor Party MP Tammy Lobato has taken on a new role, managing Living Learning Pakenham.
The one-time member for Gembrook was welcomed by the new committee at the annual general meeting on Monday.
“I now realise just how much I didn’t know about this organisation when I had the pleasure of officially opening this refurbished building a year ago,” she said.
Ms Lobato has a Bachelor of Arts in community development and said she was looking forward to the new direction post her political career.
“Over the past week I have had the pleasure of getting to know the staff one on one.”
The committee hopes that the next year will be a positive one for the growing organisation.
“Within a couple of weeks my focus will be a pro-active one. Living Learning Pakenham has unmet potential,” she said.
Ms Lobato thanked Councillor Brett Owen for his attendance.
“We have applied for a grant that will enable us to examine the organisation and identify service gaps and potential. I’m looking at you Brett!”
In the coming weeks, staff will focus on increasing the number of volunteers.
“A couple of projects on the agenda are the community garden, environmental courses and a partnership with the Pakenham Men’s Shed,” she said.
Cr Owen welcomed the idea for a community garden.
“The council is looking into new community centres in the shire. I’m hoping to work with the LLINC in the coming months. Community centres are a great thing,” he said.
President Jill Ronald was re-elected as president of the organisation along with a new committee.