Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to associate my comments with those of the member for North Sydney and extend my condolences to Joe and his family.

I rise to congratulate Eastern Creek Public School on a remarkable celebration. Eastern Creek Public School celebrated its 150th anniversary yesterday—a terrific achievement and a sign of the region's enduring importance in our area. This milestone offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the history of Eastern Creek Public School and the important contribution it has made to so many students, past and present. The school started from humble beginnings in the early months of 1866 in a room in Thomas Dean's inn, with just one tutor. By 1870, the school enrolment was 35 pupils, and the rest is obviously history. As they mark 150 years of success, they have every reason to be proud of the school's past and to be excited about its future. I am certain that Eastern Creek Public School will continue to make a positive impact on students' lives and continue to prepare them to engage successfully with the world, for many years to come.

I deeply regret I was unable to join you on this occasion because of this place. But I wish to commend all the staff, including Principal Wesley Chia, the teachers, students, P&C members, families and the community on reaching a historic milestone. I do not expect that much of the cake has survived, but if it has just remember your federal member of parliament. Congratulations, once again, on a terrific achievement.