House debates

Monday, 27 October 2014

Statements by Members

Fraser Electorate: Jervis Bay School

4:10 pm

Photo of Andrew LeighAndrew Leigh (Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | | Hansard source

Because Australia's founders decided that every capital city must have a port, it is my honour to represent not just the north half of the bush capital but also the Jervis Bay territory. It is a territory with an ancient history. The Wreck Bay settlement reflects that, but the Jervis Bay settlement also has a history of its own. The school at Jervis Bay was opened in 1914, the year before the naval college, and will this weekend celebrate its centenary. The centenary celebrations will include aerial photos taken from a Seahawk helicopter and markets and food stalls. Kids activities will provided by the University of Canberra's Widening Participation team, and there will also be the Booderee National Park display. Other participants include the University of Wollongong, Shoalhaven City Council, Bay and Basin FM radio broadcasting, Bay and Basin Men's Shed, Anglicare Black Duck Service, St George Illawarra Dragons, and the AFP police and rural fire exhibition.

Jervis Bay primary is a great example of setting high standards for young people. Its newsletter every week reflects the school attendance figures and tracks them against the national average. I pay tribute to its principal, Bob Pastor, an outstanding school and community leader who is stepping down this year. Bob, you have been an extraordinary asset to Indigenous education. You set standards which other Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders greatly admire, and we pay tribute to you for the work that you have done for this community.