Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — Tonight my adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education. It relates to the new special school promised for the Geelong region. On 9 November an article appeared in the Geelong Advertiser headed ‘Special school plan’. It stated that a site for a new special school was being sought in the electorate of South Barwon.
I would like to put on record the tireless work of Michele Denham, who has fought for more than two years to have the issue of overcrowding at the Barwon Valley School dealt with. It is not just the Barwon Valley School; the Nelson Park School is now full as well, necessitating a new school. Michele is the mother of Brett, now 19, who has an intellectual disability and attended Barwon Valley School until he completed year 12 last year.
Even though her son has now graduated from Barwon Valley School, Michele continues to fight for the students and families who attend the school to ensure that they are provided with the best opportunities to learn. She does this whilst managing a very successful business with her husband.