Fiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to commend a completed project, the construction of the St Joseph's Maronite Catholic Church childcare centre. The new childcare centre offers a modern education facility for up to 56 children and has a faith based, culturally sensitive ethos. St Joseph's Maronite childcare centre will be the beginning of the education journey for many local children and will provide opportunities that will foster learning in a supportive environment. It is equipped with a 130-square-metre outdoor kids play area as well as three indoor play areas. It also contains a kitchen, a laundry, a staffroom, an administration area and about 2,300 square metres of car-parking space. St Joseph's has a history of working with disadvantaged youth, the elderly and those experiencing homelessness, and I trust that this new centre will be operated in a way that also gives back to our community.

As an educational and developmental psychologist, I understand that good outcomes for children rest on the collaboration of educators and parents. As more families move into our electorate, it is important that our government can maintain a strong economy and continue to deliver amenities needed. I've had the opportunity to meet with the archbishop and learn about the strong Maronite community in Reid, particularly at St Joseph's. Congratulations to the St Joseph's community on this outstanding new facility. I look forward to visiting again soon.