Chris Crewther (Dunkley, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently attended the Learn Engage Connect Young Parents Program graduation dinner in my electorate of Dunkley. The program, run by Chisholm TAFE in conjunction with headspace Frankston and Anglicare, is giving young parents the chance to re-engage in education with their child. Set in a classroom where the young parent completes their VCAL studies with their child beside them, the program offers a children's learning program and family support, as well as education for the parents. This is the third year I have been involved, and I'm proud that the federal Liberal-National government continues to fund and support efforts to bring opportunities for education and employment to these young parents. As a father of a three-year-old myself with another little one on the way, and having been on the board of Zoe Support Australia, doing a similar thing re-engaging young people with education, I know the importance of this program.

Congratulations in particular to this year's graduates Rachael Maidment, Cassandra Wallace, Michaela Bryant, Kimberley Jennings, Caitlin Coxhell, Ruby-Lee Arnott, Vanida Khoeun, Phoenix Nicholson, Megan Smith and Chloe Pankhurst. And well done also to Lisa, Lisa and Corise, who once again spoke of their experience as past graduates. The Learn Engage Connect Young Parents Program is a wonderful initiative, and all participants should be proud of themselves. Congratulations again to all the organisations involved, including Anglicare Victoria, Awesome Kids Frankston, Chisholm headspace and also Maree Radford and all those involved, on the success of another year.