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

Every year, thousands of dance academies around the world send audition tapes to Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood in the hope of becoming one of the select few who are invited to perform there. The Clarence River Dance Academy were one of the select few to be accepted. Next month 18 young girls will fly to the United States for the experience of a lifetime. Aged between five and 18, the young dancing troupe will perform at Disneyland and Universal Studios and at Madame Tussauds wax museum on the legendary Hollywood Boulevard. Not only that; the girls will also take part in a backstage workshop with Disney show directors and choreographers. The workshop is part of the Disney Performing Arts group, which includes academy dance, dance masterclasses, show choir and musical theatre workshops.

I would like to congratulate the young dancers: Tyarn Clark, Madeleine Vidler, Meggie Ryder, Lucy Hackett, Lily Johnson, Madeline Aspinal, Jacqueline Samms, Molly Deakin, Inneka Crispin, Amy Shipman, Charlese Yuke, Robyn Cahill, Lily Leven, Ella Liquete, Hayley Liquete, Izabella Wilson, Sumira Mahoney and Lily Van Vyfeyken. They will be accompanied on the trip by the academy's principal, Nicole Shipman, and teacher Adele Lewis.

The girls will also have the opportunity to learn from some of the best dance teachers in Los Angeles, attending a dance workshop with the Abby Lee Dance Company, which has been made famous by the reality TV series Dance Moms. I would like to congratulate the Clarence River Dance Academy on this wonderful achievement.

On Saturday, 23 September, Wyrallah Public School is celebrating 150 years of providing quality educations to students in their community. Principal Lisa Fahy worked with P&C president Nathan Rose; 150th celebrations chair James Quinn; and members Megan Putsey, Johanna Kemp, Sue and Peter Graham and Fred Hoskins. Fred himself is a walking history of the school. He's been part of the school since he was a student and, having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, he is still involved and teaches scripture to the students. They were supported by the great staff at the school—Rebecca Dicinoski, Brian Grey and Annie Lieshman—and the entire P&C executive: Johanna Clift, Angela Knapen, Sue Graham and Charlotte Walker. Congratulations to all. I look forward to celebrating the day.

Next month Wardell Public School is celebrating its 150th birthday. I would like to thank the organising committee—Brian Moonie, Prue Gray, David Owen, Fiona Cremin and Kirsty Shepherd—and the school's P&C: Prue Gray, Jasyen Phang and Jodi Wilcox. I would also like to acknowledge the school's current staff: David, Wendy, Paul, Charlotte, Yvonne, Maureen, Sally, Jan and Joanne. I'm looking forward to the day.