Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about the official opening of the Arcadia Playgroup shed at the Arcadia Public School markets on 6 May this year, which I performed. I want to particularly acknowledge Karen Prentice who was the founder of the playgroup; Farah Miles; Jo Dawson; Dale Carn, who are the joint playgroup coordinators; Pete Jones, the president; and Trent Dawson, the vice president of the Arcadia Public School P? and Sharon O'Brien, the principal of Arcadia Public School.

The Arcadia Playgroup was founded in September 2013 by Karen Prentice at the Arcadia Public School. In January 2016, Farah, Jo and Dale became joint playgroup coordinators. During 2016 the membership grew, with 10 mums officially joining as Playgroup NSW members, and many others attending on a casual basis. Over 25 children have attended the playgroup over the past year.

In mid-2016, the Arcadia Playgroup secured a $2,000 volunteers grant, through the Turnbull government's grant scheme, for storage; tea and coffee making facilities; a breastfeeding chair; and other items to assist the coordinators in their role. However, the shed required a major renovation, and the Arcadia Public School's P&C agreed to fund the project. Renovation was completed in just three weeks by local school dads—Michael Carn, from Empire Bathrooms; Trent Dawson, from Dawson Electrical; Fedie Abood, from Aboods Earthworks; and Jeff Lister, from Arcadia Painting. I wish the Arcadia Playgroup continued success in their new premises.

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