Tuesday, 5 March 2024

 Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (14:41): (531) My constituency question is for the Minister for Education: how are the upgraded facilities at Mercy College providing ongoing educational benefits for young women across Pascoe Vale, Coburg, Brunswick West and the northern suburbs? As we celebrate International Women’s Day for 2024 I would like to acknowledge the contribution that Mercy College has made for nearly 60 years in providing local young women with the knowledge and skills to equip them in their future life directions. First established in 1965 on the site of the former Mercy convent on 760 Sydney Road in Coburg, Mercy College has a rich history and continues to be guided by the values of the Sisters of Mercy, which include excellence, hospitality, justice and compassion. Today home to a growing student enrolment of over 400 students under the stewardship of school principal Lila McInerney, Mercy is continuing to help build a fairer and more inclusive community, with former alumni including the member for Mill Park. I had the pleasure to celebrate the school’s night of excellence on 5 December and to meet with local students on 3 November – Amelia, Kayla, Ayushi, Jessica and Omindi – for a very impressive student-led discussion around education and skills pathways; women’s health and wellbeing; road, community and women’s safety; and local transport connectivity and accessibility – (Time expired)