Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (19:05): The core philosophy of St Edmund's College in Wahroonga focuses on meeting the individual needs of each student and helping them to develop the skills they need to take their rightful place in society. I bring to the attention of the House the inspiring work of St Edmund's College. It is a school that provides a nurturing educational environment for students with a range of abilities. St Edmund's College was established by the Christian Brothers in February 1951 to provide education for blind boys, on the invitation of Cardinal Gilroy, the then Archbishop of Sydney, and the St Vincent de Paul Society.

A two-storey home was purchased in Wahroonga for only£11,750, marking the beginning of the college's journey. The top floor of the building served as dormitory accommodation for students, rooms for the brothers and a chapel, while the lower floor was used as classrooms, dining and recreation spaces, a kitchen and a lounge. What began as a school with only nine students has grown into a thriving institution with 120 enrolled students. In its early years, students would travel from rural areas of New South Wales and as far as Brisbane and Melbourne to attend. Over the decades, the college has expanded its enrolments to include both male and female students with sensory impairments other than vision as well as those with special needs, including intellectual disabilities in the mild to moderate range and autism.

I recently had the pleasure of attending St Edmund's College for the official blessing and opening of its new school buildings. Part of the funds for these was provided by the former Coalition Government. The ceremony was led by the Very Reverend Dr David Ranson, Vicar General of the Diocese of Broken Bay, who has had a long and close relationship with the school, and also Wahroonga in general, through the parish of the Holy Name. Also in attendance were representatives from Edmund Rice Education Australia, the New South Wales Christian Brothers, the college advisory council, past principals of St Edmund's College and the architects and builders who helped design and construct the impressive new buildings.

We were treated to outstanding performances by the KWS Choir, Eddie's Drummers and Eddie's Dancers, who all showcased incredible talent and passion for performing. The choir performed beautiful renditions of the national anthem and True Colors. The dancers and drummers delivered an energetic performance to Hot Hot Hot. I was grateful to be given a tour of the new facilities by the principal, Vanessa Dillon, who is incredibly proud of the amazing school buildings that have been thoughtfully designed with the unique needs of the students in mind. The classrooms are spacious, and the new design and technology rooms provide students with opportunities to develop hands-on skills and foster creativity. The new facilities also include state-of-the-art food technology rooms where students can build their cooking skills.

One of the newer initiatives is the mini Woolworths called Eddie's Fresh Food, which allows students to practice life skills, such as grocery shopping, selecting items, and handling payments, to help them gain confidence and independence in everyday tasks. Principal Vanessa Dillon said it well:

Where one's truth is not a limitation, but a celebration of potential and promise. Where one's journey begins, and where it leads to is a culmination of many people providing courage, collaboration, care and compassion so that our students may actively engage in a fulfilling life of independence and meaning.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful students for their amazing performances and for welcoming me so warmly into their community. I also acknowledge the outstanding teachers and teachers' aides, who work incredibly hard, supporting those wonderful students every day. The current and past parent community also give incredible support to the school. I give a shout-out to an alumnus of the school, Andrew Lindsay, who thrived at the school. I have known Andrew his whole life since he was a baby, and I can attest to the way in which the school has inspired him to develop into an amazing young man. I thank principal Vanessa Dillon for a tour of the remarkable new buildings. St Edmund's College continues to provide students with disabilities a place to learn, grow and develop the essential skills they need for life. I thank everyone, past and present, who have contributed to making the school a thriving and exceptional educational institution for very special students that it is today.