21 September 2023

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) (17:15): One of the great joys of my job is seeing community campaigns deliver real outcomes for the people in my local community. For me, the redevelopment of Passfield Park School in Minto was a long time in the making. I get great pleasure as I drive home to and from the electorate office and see the work of the community in that brand spanking new community school. The new Passfield Park School was the result of a consistent and concerted community campaign by the school and the broader community to deliver a quality education space for children with disability and additional needs.

I acknowledge my colleague the Federal member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander. He and I have long been supporters of Passfield Park School and its journey for a fair go. Many people over many years joined forces to campaign for equity and dignity for the students of Passfield Park School, and I thank everyone involved in the journey. The transformation of the school is truly remarkable and one of the most rewarding community campaigns I have ever been involved with since being elected as the local member. Every time I visit Passfield Park School I am reminded of the power of community campaigns to change lives for the better. Years of neglect and inaction by the former Government meant that the school's infrastructure was in an appalling state that we would not expect for a school and which the school community did not deserve.

A rallying cry from the school and the wider community drove long‑lasting change. The school was redeveloped into a modern, inclusive learning space, giving young people with disability and special needs access to the quality learning environment that they so rightly deserve. The modern outdoor play spaces, the state‑of‑the‑art learning areas and Passfield Park School's brand new library bring me a great deal of joy. The library is a welcome addition to Passfield. I was pleased to visit the school for the opening of that beautiful new learning space last month. A stunning mural adorns the library's walls, featuring many great storybook characters and themes.

There are many people to thank for their wonderful efforts in delivering that fine project. First, I thank the dedicated teaching and administration staff of the school, particularly Principal Wendy Low for her ongoing dedication and commitment to quality education for her kids. Wendy is passionate about her students, the families and the community, which wholeheartedly supports the school. Secondly, I thank all the mums, dads and carers who have given their time and energy generously to make Passfield Park School a wonderful community asset. Passfield is one big family. It is that level of support and encouragement for each other that helps young people thrive. Thirdly, I thank Passfield Park Kids Incorporated, the charity associated with the school, which has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of students at every stage.

Finally, I thank the Rotary Club of Ingleburn for its ongoing support of Passfield Park School. The club donated 2,000 books for the school's new library and earned itself an award for best community project for its "Books to Change Lives" project. Gail Taylor and Beth Godwin were instrumental in driving an army of volunteers who gave generously of their days and nights to cover books. So strong are the school's community ties that I am told some former staff members returned to the school to lend a hand in establishing the new library. It really was a collective effort. The new library is a space that students and staff will no doubt cherish for many years to come. I say thank you to other groups and individuals for their kind donations and contributions in support of the school's new library, including the Silver Coin Project, local authors Adrienne Bradney Smith and Toby Horvath, Wave Learning, Dymocks Charity, QBD Books and, last but certainly not least, the on-the-ground team of Di Smith, Nicole Wells and Chris Ayres.

It is often said that if you open a book, you open your mind. What started as a jumble of mess in an overcrowded storeroom full of resources and another empty room is now a stunning library. It is a place for kids to open their imaginations and be enriched by literature. It is a space for reading, relaxation, learning and growth for the children of Passfield Park School. I am confident that the students and staff at the school will enjoy the fabulous new library and all it has to offer. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter has in store for this wonderful local school, its students and the wider school community.