Trent Zimmerman (North Sydney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Like all Australians, residents of my electorate have been moved by the plight of farmers affected by the drought. Our connection with those living and working on the land runs deep, even in the heart of our great cities. That concern is manifesting itself in action, and today I want to congratulate the thousands of students who are raising funds for our drought affected farmers. Their efforts were first brought to my attention when young Chloe Batchelor, from Cammeray Public School, rang ABC Radio Sydney to let their listeners know of her own school's participation in that great initiative Fiver for a Farmer. I visited Chloe at school that day to congratulate her and her fellow students on their initiative and help kick off their fundraising campaign.

Cammeray Public School's efforts are being shared by schools across my electorate. The list of schools raising funds for our farmers—and these are just the ones I am aware of—includes Artarmon, Chatswood, Greenwich, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove West, Northbridge and Willoughby public schools; Hunters Hill, Willoughby and Riverside high schools; Wenona, Currambena, Shore, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner, Loreto Kirribilli, Monte Sant' Angelo, St Ignatius' and St Joseph's colleges; and St Mary's, St Philip Neri and St Thomas's primary schools. I particularly want to mention the efforts of St Michael's Primary School, which is holding its own fundraising event and opening its grounds for a major drought-relief afternoon tea on Saturday, 8 September for the Lane Cove community.

Our students are to be congratulated for their incredible generosity. I know it has touched our farming communities, and they can be exceptionally proud of their efforts.