Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary School in Newborough has been completely rebuilt, taking it from a 1950s Catholic primary school to a 21st century learning space. It is absolutely fantastic. There to open the new building were my favourite bishop for Gippsland, Patrick O'Regan; Ms Maria Kirkwood, director at the Catholic Education Office; and Father Harry Dyer, a favourite priest in the area. The deputy principal, Ms Kerry Wadey, led the choir, which sang so beautifully.

It is fantastic to see the way in which the Catholic Education Office has revamped the old Newborough school. What is the greatest gift we can give our children? It is an education. The Catholic Education Office said to the community, 'Our kids are so important that we are prepared to invest in this new resource—this beautifully revamped, rejuvenated building.' The entranceway to the brand-new building at the front is a sight to behold. Of course, we had a magnificent afternoon tea, which only the ladies of St Mary's could provide.

See this speech in context