Wednesday, 19 February 2025

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:55): I rise to update the house about the Allan Labor government’s unwavering commitment to public education in the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region. While those opposite dislike hearing about it, we will never stop supporting and advocating for our public schools, because we know that public education changes lives and it is the engine room for our economy and our economic prosperity. The official completion last week of two recent investments demonstrates this commitment. At Heatherwood School, a specialist developmental school in Donvale, we have delivered significant updates, including a refurbished admin building, new multipurpose hall with a music room and amenities and a brand new classroom facility for block D. A new gymnasium connected to block D also provides a valuable undercover space that will benefit both students and the wider community, because every child deserves every chance and opportunity to access high-quality public education.

Recently in Wollert, which has been added to the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region, I was pleased to attend, with the Minister for Education and the member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio in the other place, the opening of Wirrigirri Primary School, which is ensuring local families have access to high-quality education close to home. The school welcomed students for the first time just a couple of weeks ago, offering enrolments from prep to grade 6 under its inaugural leadership by principal Bec Spink. The name Wirrigirri Primary School was chosen in consultation with the community and traditional owners. I was very proud to attend that school and see its opening and all those wonderful students attending high-quality public education.