Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Housing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I absolutely love Christmas, and one of my favourite traditions is our annual Christmas drawing competition in Hotham. Every year students from right across my electorate enter a competition for the cover of our annual Christmas card. I honestly believe I have the most talented and creative young people in the whole of the country living in my electorate, because you would not believe the entries that I get to be the judge of. Today I'm very excited to announce that our 2025 winner is Grace from Sacred Heart primary school in Oakleigh. Grace has made this incredibly beautiful Christmas drawing. She is only 10 years old, and we just cannot believe this. My staff and I keep looking at her beautiful drawing, just wondering where this brilliant talent comes from. We are so impressed with you, Grace, and your beautiful talents in art, and we're very excited to share your Christmas card with the entire electorate.

It was a close fought thing though. We had a few runners up this year. Amelie from Brandon Park Primary School, Wheelers Hill; Violet from St Andrew's Primary School in Clayton South and Isla from Oakleigh Primary School, your wonderful entries will also be featured on this year's Christmas card. To all of the students who took the time to take part in this, I really want to thank you. Can I let you and your families know that we've set up a little art gallery in my office through the Christmas period and, if you would like to see your artwork on display, then please come and visit my electorate office in Oakleigh.

Earlier this month, we had a really important celebration in my local community: the 150th anniversary of Oakleigh Primary School. This is more than a number; it's a testament to generations of learning, growth and community spirit that have come out of this incredible educational institution in my electorate. I want to give my thanks and acknowledgement to Principal Ruth Biddle, who is a very visionary leader in education right across the south-east. Ruth's leadership and her belief in every student's potential make this school such a special place.

I want to acknowledge all of the teachers and the staff and families who gathered in their hundreds—on what was unfortunately quite a rainy day—in this beautiful school to celebrate what it's done for the children of my electorate.

Oakleigh primary has been a cornerstone of Oakleigh since 1875. Back then, visionary locals put this school in place as a country primary school, but, of course, Melbourne grew up around it. Oakleigh primary has really been at the centre of everything critical that's happened to my local community over 150 years. Of course, the Greek influence is there with the Protypo Greek School, led by Principal Maria Gindidis, which has been a really important part of keeping Greek language alive in my community. I want to say congratulations to Oakleigh Primary School. I love you guys so much. Well done on 150 years. Let's go for 150 more.