David Batt (Hinkler, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With their final exams now complete, I'd like to congratulate the graduating class of 2025. It's been a privilege to attend school awards nights and ceremonies across my electorate of Hinkler, celebrating milestones, acknowledging successes and shaking hands with impressive young leaders. My message to our year 12 students is that, whether you've made plans for further study, for work or for travel—or maybe you're still making up your mind—it's all good; there's plenty of time.

I'd like to acknowledge a man of conviction, a man of education, a man of faith and a man who countless youngsters can thank for guiding them on the right path, including my two daughters. Principal Dan McMahon has been at the helm of the Shalom College in Bundaberg for 17 years, and, when the bell sounds for the last time this term, it will herald the end of a wonderful era. Dan's leadership, innovation and foresight is what makes Shalom one of the best regional schools in Queensland, if not the nation. Dan creates an environment that supports students no matter where their strength lies. Shalom is the 10th school Dan has taught at or led since he started teaching year 6 at St Mary's Dalby in 1978. Whilst his time at Shalom is drawing to a close, he's not done yet. All the best for next year, in leading the St Leo's community at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Dan, you will be missed—all the very best and God bless.