CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr MONCRIEFF (Hughes) (16:55): The Socceroos victory over Türkiye in the FIFA World Cup has brought Australians from right across the country together in support of Aussies on the world stage. But it's also been a great opportunity for local communities to unite in their support. Last week, the St George & Sutherland Community College got into the spirit, hosting a barbecue on the green at its Jannali campus, and its community watched the World Cup while wearing a wonderfully diverse array of shirts and scarves representing their home countries.
I loved seeing students, clients and staff as well as representatives from Aspect getting involved with foosball and testing their accuracy with the soccer target. It was terrific to witness their palpable passion and see the green electric with enthusiasm as students from all cultures, backgrounds and walks of life erupted with big cheers of excitement at pivotal moments in the game—particularly the Colombian students, who came out victorious on the day.
It was a vital expression of how the appreciation of cultures can enrich us all. Just like the scarves so proudly worn by these students, the weaving together of various threads of heritage can strengthen our collective spirit and love of country. The St George & Sutherland Community College has been doing amazing work in my community for more than 40 years, providing quality vocational education, disability services, leisure and language classes to students from across the globe.
Among its esteemed students are my father and aunt, who have been stunned by the quality of learning that we have access to right here in the Sutherland Shire. The college's dedication to lifelong learning, inclusion and community spirit makes every experience special. I want to thank CEO Bernadette Mills and her team for the extraordinary work that they do each day for the southern Sydney community.
I'm sure that all the students and staff at the community college would also join me in wishing the Socceroos the best of luck as they take on Paraguay this Friday. Thanks so much to the team at St George & Sutherland Community College for hosting us on this beautiful day of community togetherness. I want to recognise some outstanding achievements from several schools in my community.
Engadine High School recently came away from the Sutherland zone athletics carnival with some outstanding wins, placing third across the zone and breaking three records in long jump, shot-put and relay. Students from the Jannali High School performed exceptionally well in their regional cross-country, with five students making it through to the state cross-country competition later this month.
The New South Wales handball high school championships saw fierce competition from the Open Boys Handball Team at Menai High School, who secured a silver medal for their hard work and determination. In the verbal sparring arena of the New South Wales premier's debating competition, Holsworthy Public School hosted two debates on the theme of education and came out on top, securing the impressive position as the Sydney south-west zone 11 champions and progressing to the regional knockout competition.
Congratulations to all involved and thank you so much to all our teachers for all the work that they do to get those amazing achievements from our students. The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Lawrence ): In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' constituency statements has concluded. Federation Chamber adjourned at 16:5 9