Chris Bowen (Prospect, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

What is interesting about Westfields Sports High School is that their achievements are not just in sport; their achievements have flowed over into other areas. Before Mr Tucker took over Westfields, it is fair to say that their academic achievement was below the state average; now it is way above the state average. There is a feeling of excellence about Westfields Sports High when you walk in. The excellence on the sporting field means that their students have been motivated to achieve excellence academically and in the performing arts.

Not just this but also there is a great feeling of community spirit at Westfields Sports High. Under Phil Tucker’s leadership, a public school in Western Sydney raised through their own fundraising $1.5 million for public works, including a world-class gymnasium and a world-class sports medical centre. I recently took John Coates, the President of the Australian Olympic Committee, and Michael Knight, the former Minister for the Olympics, to Westfields to see what work they were doing to contribute to Australia’s Olympic success. Both of those men were very impressed. I wish Phil Tucker all the very best for his retirement.

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