John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the house of a remarkable young student who attends Ermington West Public School in my electorate. Students at this school take part in a regular volunteering session with the Arrunga Uniting Aged Care Centre, which is across the road. Student Melanie Carlson was part of this program. In talking with one of the residents, the state of the flag on the centre's flagpole was raised, which after years in the elements was faded and had started to fray. This led Melanie to get in touch with my office to request a new Australian flag for the home. This month I attended a small ceremony at Arrunga Aged Care Centre along with residents, staff, and the student volunteers from Ermington West Public School. I presented an Australian flag and an Aboriginal flag to Melanie, who in turn presented them to the home.

Speaking to Melanie, I learnt that Ermington West Public School's volunteering program with Arrunga Aged Care Centre is designed for students in year 4, meaning Melanie is no longer able to take part this year. However, she took so much from the experience that she has subsequently started giving up her own time to volunteer outside of school times. Melanie and her fellow students are an excellent advertisement for their school, and I congratulate everyone involved.