Thursday, 18 May 2023

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples) (09:59): Last Friday I had the great pleasure of visiting Dandenong South preschool. This preschool has been a pillar of the Dandenong community for the last 49 years. I was given a tour of the campus by co-educator Jennifer Sadikay and was struck to find that even after almost five decades the campus remains in really great shape. It is a really unique natural environment wonderful for the kids. It was lovely to witness the incredible educators in action and learn about the suite of programs on offer. I was not one foot through the door when young Abdul grabbed me by the hand and took me to the back of the playground to show me a worm that he had found. It was gorgeous, and we had a great discussion about how the worm was probably sleeping and needed a bit of a rest.

A member: You didn’t wake it up?

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: We did not wake it up. We gently left where it was and continued on our tour, and Abdul was a great tour guide in conjunction with Jennifer. Like Dandenong itself, Dandenong South preschool is a welcoming community for children and families from all walks of life, and the student body is made up of very bright and passionate young learners from a variety of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with varying abilities and skills as well.

Dandenong South preschool has helped to shape many little lives in our community through a very compassionate and stimulating approach to learning, taking the time to ensure each student has the support they need to reach their fullest potential. The impact of the brilliant and inspiring team of educators working to create an inclusive and enriching environment for young students is unparalleled. I cannot wait to go back.