An impromptu visit to the Yass Valley by the Shadow Minister for Education Ryan Park, has Mayor Rowena Abbey excited about the possiblity of change after the state election.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the Yass Valley’s ongoing fight to improve education facilities and standards in the area, the Shadow Minister's visit was a warm and welcome one.
Labor candidate Ursula Stephens persuaded Mr Park to come to the Yass Valley to see, first hand, the much-needed improvements to education in Yass.
“The Murrumbateman area is growing and there is a need to provide a school to such an area, and provide the adequate facilities to Yass High,” Ms Stephens said.
The Shadow Minister arrived at the Yass Valley Council Chambers with Ms Stephens and Michael Pilbrow for a morning tea meeting with Mayor Rowena Abbey and General Manager David Rowe, to receive a briefing on the development of both Murrumbateman and Yass.
Mr Rowe told Mr Park that a school would be the potential glue that will bring Murrumbateman back to Yass.
The Shadow Minister praised the advocacy from the community in fighting for another school and suggested the education department needed to get a grip on providing schools in growing communities.
Mr Park visited the Murrumbateman Early Childhood Centre to meet with parents and attended a lunch to discuss Yass High School. He visited the school to tour the buildings, meet with principal Sandra Hiscock, teachers, parents and students. Teachers from other schools were also invited by the Teachers Federation organiser.
Michael Pilbrow said that by getting Mr Ryan to see the community and its needs, it provides a clear picture for consideration.
Mayor Abbey said that it was great to make him see the issues first hand and take a proactive step forward for education in the community.
“We need support from the new government, whoever that government is. A government that shows real interest, as the Yass Valley has been ignored for so long,” she said.
“We want the Shadow Minister to take the education issues in Yass seriously. To allow our high school to grow, as our numbers expand beyond the school capacity.”
Mr Park said that it was a productive listening and learning opportunity and he felt strongly about advocating for the Yass Valley.
“From here I will go back and argue that we need to see some change here. That this is a legitimate case. Rural communities need the same resources as the cities.”