Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Higgins, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Education imbued with cultural intelligence links tradition to modernity. This is what King David School, with its progressive Jewish approach, provides for children from their early years to year 12. Judaism is celebrated in a multitude of ways, teaching children there are many faces to faith and the Jewish way of life, and that it can be fun. Families and carers are partners, helping students in their journey of inquiry and helping them understand their place in worlds both physical and spiritual. Watching over them are their teachers—social engineers, helping children discover their talents and delivering an education that is a springboard for independence and independent thinking.

In the aftermath of October 7, the school, under the leadership of principal Marc Light, has navigated grief, trauma and fear, actively bringing our community together in solidarity. It was an honour to open the Gan Chitah room at the early learning centre. Named after the seven species of food, Chitah represents wheat—again, a visible link to antiquity, with these foods historically and today sustaining the Jewish people in the land of Israel. The wonder in the eyes of preschoolers is infectious. It rubs off on you like gold dust. I watched tiny hands shaping clay into hamantaschen as they excitedly prepared for the Purim festival. Under the tuition of King David, these tiny hands will grow into strong hands that shape the world for the better.

The Self Help Addiction Resource Centre, or SHARC, located in Carnegie, has for over 25 years been a much-needed go-to place for those impacted by alcohol, drugs and gambling. SHARC operates on a powerful belief that people are experts in their own recovery. Addiction is widespread, hidden behind the shadows of stigma, touching families, carers and workplaces. SHARC believes that, with the right information, education and support, recovery is always possible.

The lived experience of those affected by addiction is at the heart of SHARC's programs. This peer based approach ensures that every program is inclusive, effective and authentic. There is nothing like being heard and seen by people who have conquered their demons and come out the other side. SHARC offers four vital programs: family drug and gambling help; peer projects; a residential program; and membership of the peak Victorian body. Thank you, SHARC, for your quality service delivery. I was pleased to see their garden refurbishment, thanks to a $4,000 Higgins volunteer grant. SHARC's work continues to make a profound difference to lives affected by addiction, putting our fellow Australians back on the road to recovery.

Chloe, a year 12 student from Melbourne Girls College, says:

I want the community to not only look, but be united. I've just turned 18 and realise the massive influence politicians can have on myself and my fellow Aussies. Politicians not only create policy but also set the standard for how we should treat each other. I have much hope that the next Parliament will during debate remember respect, and show us how we, even as a nation made up of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, can unite as one.

I live in a multicultural family with clashing cultures and ideologies. In the face of the conflicts that may ensue, we always remember that we are a family, and band together for the greater good. We don't have to agree on something, but we can respect the other person and work together to achieve the best outcome for all.

Issues that dominate our lives often split us Aussies up into separate groups, but no matter what, our representatives must serve all Australians. No Aussie should be left behind. That's why I wish to see the next Parliament collaborate, and unite together for the interest of each and every one of us. That's the future I see for our community.

These are the words spoken by Chloe as part of the Raise Our Voice campaign. She reaches down into the fundamentals of social cohesion in this speech. She talks keenly about inclusive, respectful leadership. She touches upon the need for mutual respect—something that is sorely lacking in our community—and how we can all learn and must disagree respectfully. She also touches upon the need for finding common ground—that shared humanity we are seeking to reach again. Almost like an island in a stormy sea, we need a lifeboat to get us there. Sadly, that ground is uncommon at present, but with emerging leaders like Chloe we have hope that we can get there and actually bring our communities together.