David Feeney (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Justice) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am always inspired by stories from within my electorate of individuals and communities coming together and making real change. Today I would like to make special mention of one particular success story—Preston South Primary School.

Sitting in the heart of my electorate, Preston South primary has students from a diverse range of social and cultural backgrounds. Not long ago, Preston South primary was facing some immense challenges, including declining enrolments and the challenge of a serious fire in 2009. Today the school is transformed, a model of quality education and inclusion with a vibrant curriculum and dedicated staff. This transformation has been led by Principal Leon Leonidas.

Last month I had the pleasure of celebrating National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day with the school. This event was an excellent example of the outstanding initiatives championed by the school. The day began with a moving welcome to country by Aunty Di Kerr and offered students the opportunity to explore Aboriginal culture and history.

It is with immense pleasure that I congratulate the Preston South Primary School and Principal Leon Leonidas on their success. Universal access to quality education is critical to giving our children their best start in life, and I extend my thanks to all the educators in my electorate who dedicate themselves to achieving that goal.