Alice Jordan-Baird (Gorton, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Singing 'You are my Sunshine' in Auslan with the two-year-old class at Wattle Planet Early Learning Centre in Rockbank was definitely a highlight of my recent visit. The poster made by the four-year-old kinder class was another one, where they shared what they'd like to see in our community, from fruit and veggie shops to more swings and monkey bars in our local parks and even fish in our swimming pools. It was also great to chat to educators about our local issues like the safety of Leakes Road, Rockbank station car parking, the Western Freeway and the Rockbank town centre as well. A huge congratulations to this wonderful centre on their one-year anniversary. A massive thank you to Sonia, Miranda and the entire team for your warm welcome and all you do to support our local families.

At Kings Park Primary School, community is central to everything they do. It was a pleasure joining their morning assembly to talk with students about what makes our community so incredibly special. It was great chatting with the grade 5 and 6 students about Australia's system of government and joining the preppies for their reading time. Kings Park Primary has a strong phonics program that has been in place for many years, and it shows in their fantastic reading and writing scores—something the entire school should be proud of. From the wonderful student artwork on display to the children's chickens in Kings Patch, their school kitchen garden, there really is so much to love about this wonderful school community. The talent of the children in our growing suburbs is something truly special, and I cannot wait to see these young people continue to grow and be the future of Australia. A big thank you to Principal Jodi Park, the school captains, staff and the entire Kings Park Primary community for the important work you do every single day.

The Hare Krishna community in Melbourne's western suburbs is an incredibly warm and inclusive group of people who welcome participants from all walks of life. I was so pleased to join the opening of Srilia Prabhupada Castle in Keilor in early June. The former Overnewton Castle in Keilor will provide a beautiful new space for the wonderful community to gather and practice. It really was such an honour to have the opportunity to participate in the community's rich traditions at the opening, including the sacred fire ceremony and kirtan procession as well. A big thank you to Ajay Bansal along with the entire community for the warm welcome. Acquiring this historic new location has not been an easy feat. Congratulations to the Hare Krishna community, and I can't wait to see what this next chapter will bring.