Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Broadmeadows electorate education funding

Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (12:55): There is lots to celebrate in education locally, from our littlest learners to our seniors studying digital essentials. Over tea and homemade cake I heard from local seniors about what works for them and how much they enjoy getting together every week at the wonderful Glenroy Neighbourhood House.

I had the pleasure of visiting Glenroy West Kindergarten with the Minister for Children to announce funding to double their size. On Friday we were together again. We were treated to an incredible singing performance by the Roo Club at the Coolaroo South Primary School children’s round table. We also got to see their amazing community hub and newly funded toy library. Community hubs are awesome, and I had the pleasure of seeing another in action at Holy Child when I visited for the magical Book Week parade. At Broadmeadows Primary I was peppered with insightful questions from curious kids as we spoke about the different levels of government and my role as their state representative.

On Thursday, at Glenroy College’s vocational major expo, I got to hear about the day that changed Cloe’s life when she did a hands-on career day with Northern Plumbing Solutions and decided to swap her school-based apprenticeship from beauty to plumbing. She could not be happier. I thank her and the other kids who shared their stories of finding their paths and highlighted their achievements and success. It was great to see work progressing on the oval revamp too.

Speaking of revamps, what a joy it was to open the new $10 million Yaluk building at Jacana School for Autism. I cannot wait to go back for their concert in a few weeks. I loved visiting Hume Valley School for the beautiful Koori totem pole installation. In Broadmeadows the excitement builds as we see the outstanding new $60 million health and community services centre of excellence at Kangan Institute nearing completion.