Michelle Obama once said:
The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table – all of that starts with education.
Her words highlight the important role our education system can play in setting people up for a lifetime of success and fulfilling their potential. It underscores the fact that education is only partly about the content of the classes. Often the most important experiences are those that help people identify, refine and define their values, build lifelong relationships, and forge skills and qualities that span one's career. Tonight I speak about the remarkable change in mindset and numerous creative approaches towards education taking place across schools in Liverpool. The innovation is not only lifting academic and educational outcomes but strengthening wellbeing, cultural connection and a sense of belonging for our young people. Liverpool is one of the most diverse and fastest‑growing communities in New South Wales. Our schools reflect that diversity every day and also lead the way in designing new approaches that respond to the needs of students, their families and the communities they serve.
I highlight two powerful examples: the Mirrung hub at Ashcroft Public School and the Thriving Schools program, which Busby Public School is part of. The Mirrung hub based at Ashcroft Public School is a transformative initiative built on genuine partnership with the NSW Council of Social Service. "Mirrung" means "belonging" in the Dharug language, and that is exactly what the hub delivers by taking a whole-of-family approach to improve educational and wellbeing outcomes. That is only possible through the collaboration of Aboriginal leaders, community organisations and specialist services. The Mirrung hub provides a culturally safe place where students can access wraparound support, mental health services, tutoring, mentoring and cultural learning grounded in Aboriginal ways of learning. The hub has reimagined the way schools can work with service providers.
Instead of students travelling long distances or waiting months for help, the services come to them on country in a space designed with community and guided by culture. It truly places the school as a trusted and safe space where community can access what they need to thrive, addressing the social determinants of education to enable children to overcome barriers to learning. Poverty, unmet health needs, trauma and family instability all have a profound impact. The results speak for themselves. Students who were previously disengaged are showing hugely improved attendance, confidence and stronger connections with peers and elders. Of the indicators that track longitudinal, educational and wellbeing outcomes for children at Ashcroft, more students are demonstrating stage-appropriate outcomes. All of those will have a long-term impact on the children, the careers they go on to have and the future they see for themselves. The model is not suitable for all schools, but with three public preschools to be delivered in the 2168 postcode, I am confident that the Mirrung hub model can be successfully emulated at Cartwright, Miller and Heckenberg with similar results. I am proud it was pioneered in Liverpool.
Earlier today I visited Busby Public School, which is one of 20 schools that are part of the Thriving Schools program. The program is redefining what it means for a student to flourish. The initiative focuses not only on literacy and numeracy but on wellbeing, school culture and building capability in teachers to better support student needs. Funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation and supported by the University of Newcastle, the program helps staff identify students who need extra help early and intervene before small challenges become bigger barriers. It is also providing educators with contemporary training, placing wellbeing at the centre of learning and giving principals greater flexibility to build environments where every student is known, valued and cared for. I have heard firsthand the impact that is having. Teachers report calmer classrooms, better attendance and students who are more confident in expressing themselves. It is a powerful reminder that when we invest in student wellbeing, we boost academic outcomes.
Those innovations are not happening in isolation. They form part of the New South Wales Government's commitment to creating fairer, safer and more supportive learning environments. Liverpool students deserve nothing less. I acknowledge the principals, teachers, support staff, Aboriginal community partners and service providers who are part of making the programs a success. I acknowledge every school principal across my electorate, but I particularly call out Poppy Loueizi of Ashcroft Public School, Ena Lakisoe of Busby Public School and Peter Rouse, the director of educational learning, for their incredible efforts and for making sure that every child, no matter where they start out in life, has an opportunity to succeed, thrive and have a future that everyone can envision. Our young people are our greatest assets. By investing in them and in programs, we are strengthening the future of Liverpool. I commend the programs to the House.
