with Hugh McDermott MP

The summer holidays have wrapped up for another year , and I hope everyone has had a wonderful time with family and loved ones . Now that we ’ ve celebrated Christmas , watched the New Year ’ s Eve fireworks , and enjoyed an Australia Day BBQ and hopefully had some welldeserved rest , we ’ re back to work school .

As we start the new school year , we ’ re given a great opportunity to reflect on some outstanding academic achievements and remarkable community spirit across the Prospect Electorate in 2024 . It ’ s also an excellent time to celebrate improvements and upgrades underway that will benefit our students , teachers and families in 2025 .

In December , I was privileged to attend End of Year assemblies and celebrations for more than twenty schools across our Prospect Electorate . Hearing the accomplishments of our local students , was a testament to the hardworking values in our community . The graduating HSC class of 2024 recorded 878 Top Achievers and over 1,000 Distinguished Achievers from Western Sydney secondary schools , including Toongabbie Christian College , Girraween High School , The Hills Sports High School , Patrician Brothers ’ College Blacktown and Catherine McAuley Westmead .

2024 finished on a high note , celebrating our hardworking students with teachers and parents . Congratulations to all the students who achieved outstanding results , took home awards and who

gave their all to their studies . Your hard work , dedication and perseverance are an inspiration to us all . Whether in the classroom , on the sports field or in the art studio , your achievements are to be commended . Your achievements , and your positive approach to learning , reflect the strength of our community – and the bright future ahead .

I wish to extend a special congratulations to the students who received a NSW Parliamentary Award for their triumph over adversity , commitment to serving our community and academic excellence . You are all examples of what is possible with determination and a positive mindset — well done !

Continuing our commitment to our students , the Minns Labor Government was proud to announce a significant investment to upgrade schools in the Prospect Electorate . Last year , I was delighted to join Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Prue Car at the sod turning for the $ 35.8 million upgrade to Girraween Public School .

Girraween Public School ( pictured ) was promised an upgrade in 2017 after enrolments soared to three times the capacity of its permanent buildings . The neglect of the former Liberal National Government resulted in students being forced to learn in temporary demountable classrooms – demountables that made up 76 % of the school ’ s teaching spaces . This upgrade will see 38 demountable classrooms on the site replaced with new , fit for purpose permanent classrooms .

In 2025 , the Minns Labor Government will continue to deliver on their plan to end the former government ’ s reliance on temporary classrooms , and improve learning facilities for our students . I was thrilled to announce that we ’ re delivering over $ 5 million in grants and planned maintenance to deliver much-needed upgrades at our local schools . This includes funding for structural repairs to J Block at Bert Oldfield Public School , structural repairs to the walkways at The Hill Sports High School , asphalt replacement at The Meadows Public School and gutter and downpipe replacement at Metella Road Public School .

As we ’ re about to embark upon the new school year , I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible contribution of our teachers , learning support officers and admin staff across our schools . The work you do – even during the school holidays – is integral to the success of our students . Thank you for going above and beyond to foster engaging learning environments for

our students . Whether your child is starting their first year of school , making the jump into high school , returning to familiar faces , or taking on new challenges , this is a time of growth , excitement , and opportunity . Our schools are the heart of our community , and it ’ s inspiring to see our young learners so eager to dive into their studies .

Parliament will resume this month , for the first sitting of the year and we ’ re ready to hit the ground running - to support the people of NSW , where they need it most . My office is open and I continue to work every day for our local community on issues that matter . I thank you , my neighbours , my fellow community members and local families for continuing to place your trust in me as your State Member of Parliament . I look forward to continuing our work with you throughout 2025 to achieve more wins for Western Sydney .

I wish you and your family all the very best for the year ahead .