Anika Wells (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Aged Care) Share this | Hansard source

Jabiru Community College in my electorate of Lilley provides a flexible and personalised educational experience for young people in years 10, 11 and 12 who are at risk of falling through the cracks of mainstream schooling. Established in 2011, the college has come ahead in leaps and bounds since their move to the new purpose-built facility in Zillmere in 2017.

I was pleased recently to represent Minister for Education Jason Clare at the official opening of Jabiru's new flexible learning and visual art spaces and outdoor learning area, which was delivered thanks to $900,000 in funding from the Albanese Labor government via the Capital Grants Program.

Earlier this year Minister Clare and I dropped into Jabiru for a visit. Staff and students were able to showcase the school's unique model of secondary education, which focuses on delivering a safe and creative learning community where young people from diverse backgrounds can access a quality education. A lot of work has gone into this project, which has delivered the conversion of ground-floor space to a visual arts studio, a general learning area, withdrawal spaces and a learning commons, as well as a covered outdoor learning area and a kiln shelter. These new facilities will provide school staff, teachers and students at Jabiru with better, more modern spaces in which to work, teach and learn. The Albanese Labor government strongly believes in providing the best possible resources so that local students can realise their potential and develop the skills they need to go on to further study or to find a job.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the work of the long-time co-principals at Jabiru, Frances Missen and David Powell, who finish their tenure at the college next month. David and Frances have worked tirelessly to create a safe, vibrant and caring school community, and I'd like to acknowledge their dedication and service to young north siders and wish them every success for the future.

In the same week, I was also able to attend the St Joseph's Nudgee College awards night, the Sandgate District State High School annual awards and the St Patrick's College night of excellence. In addition to celebrating the outstanding achievements of north-side students, we also farewelled the St Patrick's College principal, Mr Chris Mayse, who is retiring after leading the college for the past 10 years. Mr Mayse, thank you for your service to the St Pat's community and for your personal mentoring of me. I wish you very well in your retirement.

Finally, with my remaining time and, I'm sure, with the support of the members for Blair and Freemantle, I would like to send a massive congratulations to the world champions our ParaMatildas. The ParaMatildas secured a historic win at the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football, the IFCPF, Women's World Cup. The ParaMatildas are actually our first national football side ever to become world champions, and I'm sure everybody in this chamber sends with me our very best congratulations. Thank you for making us so very happy over the weekend.

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