North-Eastern Metropolitan Region
Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:06): (1060) What a joyous day it is, President. I rise to ask the Minister for Education to pay special attention to a school that is close to my heart and, I know, yours, because we share the same electorate, although yours is the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region and mine of course is Ringwood. Ms Terpstra also is not here. I am sad that she is not here, but nonetheless I will perhaps send her the transcript from Hansard later on. I recently had the good pleasure of meeting with the principals there, both Harold Ruff and Jeff McMillin. They took the time out to show me the real building that has occurred there, and we are still waiting for the minister, although I am sure that it is not long off now, to come and open that. We will welcome him with open arms – why not. But we would also like to see the next stage proceed with the greatest of speed, because that is obviously sorely needed. What they do have at the moment though of course is a problem with the stadium. You might have heard about this, President, as I am sure they might have even written to you as well and local members nearby. In fact part of the wall is now falling in. From Minister Carroll what I would like is an assurance that he is urging his department to do everything they can to ensure the children can have the use of that hall, including Nunawading Basketball. It is very important for all kids involved.