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

( This Saturday I have the privilege of attending the 40th anniversary of the Casino Baptist Church Christian Community Preschool. It's a wonderful community-owned and operated preschool that has deep roots within the local community and, in particular, the local Indigenous community. I was recently happy to present the preschool with an Australian Aboriginal flag, and the school has also recently installed artwork by local Indigenous artist Noel Caldwell. The preschool's director, Anne-Maree Jackson, says it's all about connecting with the Casino community and instilling in the 59 children under their care that sense of community.

One remarkable thing about this close-knit preschool is the very low turnover of teachers. They simply don't want to leave. One staff member, Jane Cowan, has been with the school for 30 years. I thank the other teachers: Robyn, Sylvia, Mikala, Sonya, Kirsten, Teressa, Lauren, Judi and Lance. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Anne-Maree and Jane as well as the management committee that is led by chairperson Louise James.

Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School in South Lismore more is turning 100. The school was inundated by the Lismore flood. The close-knit school community rallied to reopen the school as soon as possible and, at the same time, rescheduled the school's planned 100-year anniversary. The celebrations are now to be held on the first of next month, and I am very much looking forward to attending.

As the school was looking forward to marking this milestone, many former students and their families contacted the school to donate memorabilia. The family of former student Mrs Barbara Thacker donated a set of rosary beads worn by her teacher, Sister Clare Noonan. Graham Ahearn kindly made and donated a model of the original church school building, which was built in 1916-17, to show current students what their school originally looked like.

The school is constructing a centenary rosary garden to honour the contributions of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and parish priests who founded the school. Many members of the community as well as families of former students and teachers have contributed by purchasing a paver to create a path around the garden. The rosary will be inscribed with the names of past parish priests, principals and sisters who were involved.

I would like to acknowledge the great work the centenary team has done in organising next month's celebration. I thank the parish priest, Father Peter Karam; Principal Brendan Malone; Assistant Principal Katie Rose; and the team of teachers, past teachers, students and parents who generously gave their time. This school has provided faith based education in our community for over 30 years, and I thank all past and present people who have been involved in that.