Thursday, 20 September 2018

 Mr GIDLEY (Mount Waverley) (10:00): I rise in the Parliament to congratulate Essex Heights Primary School for their continued participation in communicating with the International Space Station (ISS) through the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. Through this program students learn about life on board the ISS and explore Earth from space through science and mathematics activities. The experience is invaluable in developing knowledge and encouraging student participation in these areas. When I attended Essex Heights Primary School I could see the community was so excited to have that opportunity. I thank and acknowledge Essex Heights Primary School principal, George Perini, and Jenny Austin, who has been so committed and dedicated to this project.

I also want to acknowledge and thank ARISS, which provides these opportunities for our school communities to become more aware of the substantial benefits of human space flight and the exploration and discovery that occurs during these journeys, along with learning about radio technologies. Those involved with ARISS are volunteers and commit their valuable time and resources for the benefit of school communities.