Thursday, 18 June 2026


Members statements

Heritage College


David SOUTHWICK

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Members statements

Heritage College

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (12:43): Earlier this week I made my contribution to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, and in that contribution I spoke about the issue of leadership and the failure of leadership at both state and federal levels. I also spoke about education, and I want to particularly give a shout-out to Heritage College. Along with a member in the other place Renee Heath, I had the opportunity of visiting Heritage College, and I want to give a big shout-out to principal Sonny Aiono and the Gandel Holocaust centre and the great work that they have done. Those kids at that school did a Holocaust education service, but in it they spoke about the terror attack at Bondi and combating hate and antisemitism. That is where we will change things – when we have kids like those kids from Pakenham talking about the hate that the Jewish community are experiencing, those Christian kids standing up for what is right. I want to say thank you to those kids and everybody in Victoria that has stood up against hate. There is no place for hate in this state, and we need good people to stand up against it.