Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Maclean High School has been named a finalist in the Reconciliation Australia Narragunnawali Awards for 2019. I'd like to thank the committee, staff and volunteers, for their fantastic commitment: Gregory Court, Sam Kapeen, Anjanette Warburton, Krystal Randall, Deborah Breckenridge, Krystle Jurd, John Ambrose, Rhonda Pitson, Ben Patch, Beris Duroux, Jacelyn Bebb, Andrew Black, Margaret Johnson, Sarah Bramwell, Matthew Fisher, Helen Bowie, Nicole Smith, Brenda Rice, Wayne Rice, Liza Hamilton and Belinda Cameron.

The award acknowledges schools and early learning centres for programs that build and strengthen reconciliation within our communities. Entrants must develop and establish a reconciliation plan, which is then submitted to the committee.

Maclean focused on 'relationships, respect and opportunities'. For the past 10 years, they've organised regular cultural tours to local places of Indigenous significance. They also held the River of Learning celebration day. Maclean also has an ongoing program called the National Indigenous Science Education Program, in partnership with Macquarie University. Students have also been involved in the production of two Desert Pea Media video songs that focused on intergenerational understanding between local elders and students. Well done to all the people involved in the Maclean High School project!

I'd also like to congratulate Allyson Cuskelly and her staff from the Evans Head-Woodburn Pre-School, and Kelli Fraser and her staff from the Friends childcare centre in Lismore. Both had commendations from the committee and judging panel. Well done!

See this speech in context