Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm sad to report that a fortnight ago the grounds of Sandringham Primary School were set ablaze, leaving one of the most historic campuses beyond repair. It was tragic news for local residents, generations of whom have attended the school they love for over 150 years. But, from the ashes of destruction and despair, we have witnessed the strength of Goldstein's wonderful social fabric as the community bind together to help those displaced students. People have donated goods, and aided and assisted where they can. I was very proud to be among some 250 people who showed up the following day to Sandy secondary college to help move furniture so that we could accommodate students at Sandringham East Primary School, which will host some of those left without a classroom.

I'd like to extend an enormous thankyou to staff at both schools, who have shown incredible leadership in the wake of this disaster. Thank you to the Sandy East principal, Laureen Walton, and the Sandringham College Principal, Amy Porter, for their ongoing efforts. Thank you to the parents and friends who have rallied, setting the fundraising wheels in motion. In addition to there being a silent auction, a group of school dads battled it out in a charity cricket match organised by Graham Widger and Nick Waterhouse at RG Chisholm Reserve. While we mourn the loss of local infrastructure, we are given hope and inspiration from the collaboration and the resourcefulness on display among the local kids and our community.