Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

One of the initiatives I'm proudest to support in Wentworth, and am proud to have instigated, is our student led social cohesion roundtables. Building on roundtables we did with principals across our school sector, the first student led program was held in November, and we brought students back for a second session just last week, with even more schools taking part. I think that growth reflects how seriously our community values strengthening belonging. Run by Together for Humanity as well as the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies and me, these roundtables are led by students themselves. They provide a structured space for young people to engage honestly, disagree respectfully and develop practical solutions. In light of the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi and the fear it caused, continuing this work is more important than ever.

We had 12 schools participate last week at Cranbrook School. The schools that participated were across the independent, government, non-government and religious sectors, including WAYS, Cranbrook, Ascham, Kincoppal, Reddam, Scots, Waverley, St Clare's, Rose Bay, Moriah, Emanuel and Kambala. So there was an amazing range of schools. As one student said, 'It is so important to build connections across our different cultures and groups.' I'm so proud of how the students behaved, I'm so proud of how they are leading in these difficult times, and I'm really excited to be turning their ideas with them into real action across our community.

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