Altona College
Ms HENNESSY (Altona) (09:41): I rise today to mark a wonderful celebration that occurred last week with the opening of new facilities at Altona College in my electorate. Altona College was a P–9 school and has, through a whole range of community activism, school leadership and support from our government, become a P–12 school. As they have made that journey to lift their enrolments—it is a school that punches above its weight—it has needed the investment for more capital to be able to offer those year 12 subjects. I was delighted to join my erstwhile friend and colleague the member for Williamstown to celebrate the opening last week. The opening started with a magnificent welcome to country by the grade 2s, a welcome to country they do each and every single day. It is beautifully integrated into how they see the value of their school but also acknowledging the proud Indigenous history of Melbourne’s western suburbs. I want to also acknowledge principal Julie Krause. She has been a wonderful partner and a fantastic leader as we have made this change. It has not been without challenges. She has been ably supported by Nathan Guthridge and Mathew Kelly. I want to also call out Sarah Brooker, who is the school council president. She brings a lot of verve and energy to the future of the school, and I know she is going to keep doing so—and Kade Dillon. Congratulations to all the students. It was a great day.