MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (10:24:58) —
I rise today to draw the house’s attention to two fantastic projects in Portland.
Recently I had the privilege to officially open Portland Bay School, a school providing great opportunities for Portland students aged between five and 18 with special needs.
This school on a brand-new site has been a long time coming.
Parents, staff and the broader Portland community have worked tirelessly to build an amazing facility that has transformed Portland Bay from the worst conditions to educating students for the 21st century, and it is only our Labor government that has made this happen.
The 2016 $7 million funding of the new school was a fitting outcome for a determined local effort, and I note especially the work of school council president Debra Robinson and principal Stephen Crossley.
The second project, Portland Lighthouse Home Inc., was also officially opened on the same day.
Portland Lighthouse provides a home for local people with a disability that five people will enjoy, a supported accommodation dream that has taken a long time to be realised in the form of a unique modern housing property.
I congratulate Jill and Peter Edwards, whose drive and inspiration have been instrumental in working with state and federal governments for funding.
Jill has galvanised the community to contribute to raising over $1 million through constant fundraising and philanthropic donations, notably from the estate of Andrew Jack, plus funding from the national disability insurance scheme.
GenU Ability partnered with Portland Lighthouse Home for the project. The end result is outstanding for residents and families alike.
Portland Bay School and the Portland Lighthouse both reflect the passion of the Portland community for these projects, and I have been so pleased to assist in advocating for both projects over many years.