In the Community

I had the pleasure of attending the Macarthur District Temporary Family Care- Peer Support Ball on Friday 24^th June.

The night was a great success.  The members from the Peer Support programs come together to enjoy the night with dancing and laughter. Captain Pat the MC for the night kept everyone amused.

The Peer Support Programs are a social interaction for adolescents and adults who have a disability.  They meet regularly during the year. However, the yearly Peer Support Ball is the highlight on the social calendar for members.

Volunteers help support members where needed and enjoyed the night with them.

During the night amongst many other attendees, I met two remarkable young women Allison Dennis and Alana Beattie. It is inspiring to see their efforts whether to master technology or lobby on vital issues.

Congratulations to the Manager, Annamaria Wood, her team and volunteers for the work that went into making the ball a huge triumph.

Austral based Unity Grammar has come a long way since parents had the dream of establishing a school in 2005.

It now has 600 students and reaches to year 9.  Principal Walid Ali proudly displays the site for a new proposed two story building which will house 24 class rooms.

With Michael Carr, Deputy Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools, proud parents and students, I opened the impressive multi purpose hall and library on June 30^th.

At a cost of $2.5 million provided by the Federal Government it employed 120 people all up and was accompanied by refurbishment and green upgrade of outdoor areas, and new provisions for special need students and sporting areas. This is money well spent to ensure that building industry workers stayed in employment and much improved facilities were provided to students.

It was very illuminating to visit All Saints Senior School, Casula and witness the new Science laboratories funded by the Federal Government.  Another part of the $2.25 million project inaugurated by the Gillard Government in cooperation with the Catholic Education office was a thorough refurbishment of the school grounds.

A limited space in difficult terrain meant that the school community and builders had to be innovative in outcomes to get the building they wanted.  Congratulations to Principal Janine Kenney and her predecessor in this accomplishment.

The Catholic Education Office undertook major overseas research to fit out these laboratories.  Australia’s lack of science teachers and a decline of student interest are a challenge.  This initiative by Julia Gillard when she was Education Minister will help reverse this picture. 

Peter Garrett, Minister for School Education recently visited Prestons to open the William Carey Christian School’s impressive trade training facilities.  These provide options for young people to seek careers in related sectors.  The school received $1.3 million towards providing training and qualifications in technology, metals, engineering and trades.

 Peter’s visit also provided an opportunity to honour ten of the school’s students who received Defence Technical Scholarships.  Year 11 students receive $2,000 and those in Year 12, $3,000.  They are designed to encourage students to complete specified technical subjects for the HSC with no stipulation that they join the Defence Forces.

In an impressive event featuring the school’s “Villa Lobos” drumming group and the school choir’s rendition of the “Greatest Love of All’, I was pleased to attend the school’s opening of improvements by the Gillard Federal Government at a value of $2.25 million.  These impressive gains were part of Australia’s $16.2 billion school renovation project to avoid building industry and building material producers’ decline.  It kept people in work, able to support families and spend in shops, whist also ensuring skills were not lost. 

 Lynne Wilson, obviously a very proud school Principal lead the visitors on an inspection of the refurbished classroom, hall and school library, improved administration block, outside newly painted areas, asphalted grounds and showed off new furniture and relocated whiteboards.

 She particularly congratulated the builders for their cooperation in ensuring the school received what it wanted.  The Grange last year exceeded expectations in Naplan results and displays high teacher morale.  It was great to join the teachers, Kathleen Murphy from the P&C and Masud Chowdhury from the school council.

St. Catherine of Sienna Primary School at Prestons now has an impressive multi – purpose hall, covered outdoor learning area and shade structure, BER money provided by the Gillard Federal Government.

 The money totalled $2.395 million.  School Principal John Phillips summarised an extremely cooperative relationship with builders and saluted the teachers’ forbearance.  This is yet another major school project resulting from Federal infrastructure spending.  The school also gained installation of wireless broadband.

Eaglevale was the site of a ceremony lead by Bishop Peter Ingham and Principal Luisa Tobin.  One of Australia’s 24,000 school building refurbishment projects it involved the library, a teachers resources room construction of a shade structure and extensive improvements to many class rooms. 

The total cost was $3.2 million and the school praised cooperative, skilled builders for delivering a model project that will greatly enhance childrens’ educational experience.

Principal David Sim leads a school renowned for its performing arts and sports successes as well as effective use of technology in education.  It was thus a great day when we opened the $3,2million of projects that included the school’s first purpose build library and refurbishment of many class rooms and the amenities block.

Teacher librarian Christine Kiss and former student, and current university medicine student Mohamad El – Hajje spoke of the power of books and reading.  We also listened to a number of students reading from works they liked.

“Bringing Back Hope”  Free Mental Health Awareness Day

Tuesday 28 June, 2011

10am for a 10:30am start until 2:30pm

Bringing Back Hope – MHAD

Winga Wyamly Reconciliation Group invite you to view the documentary

 ”Our Generation”

From the ongoing controversy of the Northern Territory Intervention, to being forced off their traditional lands into larger townships crippled by social dysfunction, to their languages being removed from school education, to mining deals sidelining traditional owners, the Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory are fighting for freedom.

Our Generation is their untold story of a struggle hidden from the eyes of mainstream Australia.

WHEN:   6pm, Wednesday, 1 June

WHERE:  Greater Union Theatres, Macarthur Square

This event is hosted by Winga Myamly Reconciliation Group.  Supported by Aboriginal Communities of Macarthur, W.I.L.M.A. Women’s Health Centre and Max Employment, Ingleburn.

For more details contact Sister Kerry on 0427 039 017

The only Leopard Tank in a Sydney RSL had pride of place at the opening of the club’s Static Display.

It was a credit to Sub Branch executive members Ray James, Ronald Moore and John Beer to accomplish this renovation of the old tennis courts.  The outcome is an attractive area with a number of impressive defence items.  In conjunction with the club’s display cabinets, shown to me by an enthusiastic Ray Williams it could constitute a valuable educational area.

The Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare did the honours in front of alarge crowd of defence personnel, RSL members and Councillors.

It was inspiring to again be present at this school with an impressive attendance of parents.  The purpose was to launch the school’s Positive Behaviour Programme.

Principal Kerry Sweeney also ensured attendance of a Schottish Piper and Dr Bodkin from the local indigenous community.  This school’s teachers’ efforts are an answer to ill informed critics of our public education system.  When you see the teachers’ selfless efforts and the respect of pupils you understand that Australia is in good hands.

On March 4, 2011 the Mayor of Campbelltown City Council, Cr Paul Lake officiated a memorable event held at Campbelltown Civic Centre.

Twenty seven residents of over fifty years standing were honoured and another eight who had been here for 60 years were given awards for their contribution to the community.

The various recipients had worked for our community in a wide variety of capacities with the Country Women’s Association, St. Vincent de Paul, schools, View Club and the Leumeah Ruby League Club to name a few.

Additionally, five local associations were recognised for their long term existence. They were Campbelltown Community Preschool, Campbelltown East Public School, Country Women’s Association Campbelltown Branch, Country Women’s Association Ingleburn Branch and Seeney Transport.

This initiative should be followed by other Councils and recognises pioneers and people who built the community.

It was great to sponsor a visit by a large group of local residents connected with the Argyle Community Housing Ltd of Campbelltown.  I particularly congratulate Sharynne Freeman, the Tenant Participation worker, who put it together.

For nearly all the participants it was their first visit to Canberra.  As well as the bus trip, a talk by myself in a committee room and lunch on the Queen’s Terrace, they received a guided tour of Parliament.

It was great to meet people and answer a variety of worthwhile questions.

It was great to be out with Campbelltown AFL stalwarts, Allan McKinnon and John McLaughlin at Bob Prenter Reserve recently.  This is the home of Campbelltown Monarchs.

With Sydney Swans star Michael O’Laughlin on the field, Indigenous Northern Australia took on Southern Australia in a gala performance by indigenous players.

The main sponsor was Rio Tinto Mining.  Players from around Australia had the opportunity to visit some of their mines.

Our region is fortunate to have Fiona Fernando as Regional Coordinator, based in an office in Ingleburn.  The service provides free after hours sporting possibilities for children.  It involves nutrition, sporting activities and seeks to encourage participation in sporting clubs.  The hours are 3pm to 5.30pm and there must be a minimum of 15 children.

 In the local regions nearly 1,700 children from 29 primary schools have been involved.

 I recently presented a 5 Star Community Coach Regional Award to Jay Reid.  He has just completed TAFE studies which qualify him to be a personal trainer and is hoping to enter university.  Jay challenged children’s ability, and encouraged enthusiastic involvement.

 Similarly, the YMCA at Ingleburn Public School has been saluted with a Supersite Award.  Micheala Shepherd accepted the award.  She herself has been trained to run the programmes in the absence of the coaches.

Laurie Ferguson visited John Edmonson High School on Monday 9 August, and took the opportunity to meet with the Year 10 Commerce Class and teacher Bob Fawcett.

Laurie Ferguson has praised the Casula Powerhouse’s innovation and leadership in the arts following the launch of its new Body Pacifica exhibition.

The exhibition celebrates Island culture, featuring more than 30 objects from the Australian Museum’s Pacific Collection and new works by contemporary Pacific Islander artists.

Local Western Sydney youth tell their stories in short digital videos, providing a vibrant snap shot of Islander life in the suburbs.

Photographs from the 1880s by Reverend George Brown, a unique figure in bringing Christianity to Pacific communities, capture Pacific culture and society from Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

Some of the most well known names in football also feature in a photographic display and calendar, with Pacific Islander NRL players donning traditional body adornment jewellery.

Laurie attended the exhibition launch on 25 June, and said Body Pacifica provided recognition of the rich culture of the Casula region’s many Pacific Islander residents.

While at the launch, Laurie was pleased to renew acquaintances with Phil Gordon, Aboriginal Heritage Project Officer at the Australian Museum.

For more information on the exhibition visit http://www.casulapowerhouse.com/exhibitions/body-pacifica.aspx

Laurie Ferguson listened to the concerns of local industry during a visit to two factories, Bradford Insulation and Viridian Glass, at Ingleburn.

Laurie visited the factories at the invitation of CSR to understand the plant operations but also get a handle on a number of issues affecting these industries and Australian workers.

Factory representatives raised the importance of building/environmental standards in affecting housing industry attitudes to products, overseas dumping and the threats of a recent inquiry regarding Australia’s anti-dumping provisions. They also discussed the current economic climate for the insulation industry.

The tour of Bradford Insulation brought back memories of Mr Ferguson’s frequent visits to their former Auburn plant when he negotiated awards for employees as a research officer of the LHMEU (Miscellaneous Workers) from 1976 to 1984.

Viridian Glass Ingleburn is the only float glass manufacturer in NSW, producing approximately 2500 tonnes of float glass per week for both the domestic and export markets.  They also produce thousands of square metres’ of laminated safety glass per week. About 170 people are employed at Viridian Ingleburn.

Laurie Ferguson is pictured below with process operator David Bryant and Steve Bali AWU union organiser.