CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr GILES (Scullin—Minister for Skills and Training) (10:32): Two years ago I visited Findon Primary School with my friend the member for Mill Park Lily D'Ambrosio to hear directly from students about their vision for their school. A dedicated years 5 and 6 swimming pool was among their more ambitious asks, but one very clear priority they shared with me was the refurbishment of student toilet blocks, so it was really thrilling to return earlier this month to officially open these new amenities, delivered thanks to the Albanese government's Schools Upgrades Fund.

I'm really proud that our government helped make this happen, but I'm even more proud of those student leaders who advocated for this project, knowing that they would be unlikely to be there to benefit from them. It's a really powerful example of the leadership I see in so many young people—speaking up not only for themselves but also for those coming after them.

I acknowledge Principal Anita Osavkovska and the former student leaders Deb and Lucy for their advocacy, vision and leadership. The Northern Study Hub in Epping has just marked its first anniversary and, one year in, the numbers tell a compelling story about the importance of this critical initiative. Across two sites, 420 students are now being supported, more than half of them from low-SES backgrounds and more than one in three the first in family to attend tertiary studies.

These figures matter because they show the Northern Study Hub is doing exactly what it was designed to do—making tertiary education more accessible and our education system fairer for all Australians. For students across the community, this is a model that breaks down barriers of distance, cost and circumstance too. It means tertiary education can be delivered closer to home so that more people in Melbourne's northern suburbs can see university or TAFE as something for them and, critically, feel supported through that tertiary education journey.

I'd like to acknowledge the many Ilinden celebrations that are taking place across Melbourne's north this month and to recognise in this place the proud and significant contribution Macedonian Australians have made to our local communities and indeed to this country. Ilinden is a time of reflection, remembrance and also of celebration—a moment to honour culture, history, identity and the enduring bonds of community.

I think it also has to be a chance for us all to recognise the resilience, the pride and the contribution of Macedonian Australians in communities right around the country but especially in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. In the north, it is part of our shared story because across generations Macedonian Australians have built families, businesses, organisations and cultural institutions, all of which form an indelible part of our community.

I've been so fortunate to share many friendships with the local community. I thank them for the warmth, generosity and kindness they continue to show to me and the community more broadly. Cestit Ilinden.

Happy Ilinden to everyone.