Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) (19:46): Our local public schools are the heart and soul of our community. They are where families connect, teachers guide and future leaders are made. Fifty years ago, in 1975—the same year as the Whitlam dismissal, a coup against our democracy—the Macquarie Fields community was transformed with a new, innovative and pioneering community school, the first of its kind. When the tender for James Meehan High School first went to Campbelltown council, it was designed to serve the comprehensive district of Macquarie Fields and Glenfield. The proposal outlined a vibrant hub that would integrate educational facilities and recreational spaces, with direct connections to the local shopping centre.

Fifty years on, the school has truly come full circle. James Meehan High School is part of the thriving community of schools that has grown around it. The high school links with its primary partners, Guise Public School and Curran Public School, which also celebrate their fiftieth anniversaries this year. Over the decades, James Meehan High School alumni have gone on to become barristers, doctors, nurses, economists, tradespeople, country singers and, of course, teachers. Four of the school's current staff are proud graduates of James Meehan High School, with many more continuing to make an impact in schools across New South Wales. The school continues to lead through innovation, such as an award-winning and unique middle school focused on foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

I commend our Macquarie Fields community of schools on continued success. I acknowledge the wonderful teachers, staff and students, as well as the parents, carers and community, who all play a role in the students' learning. There is an old African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child, and our community of schools certainly lives by that. As a visitor to the schools over the past decade, I can attest to the teachers' exemplary leadership, dedication, collaboration and care. Local schools are at the heart of the Macquarie Fields community. That has been particularly evident in recent years, with the creation of the Community of Schools FlexiHub, a joint initiative of James Meehan High School, Curran Public School and Guise Public School. The FlexiHub is a community and wellbeing centre that offers various services to students and their families, such as dental checks, wraparound support for students and career guidance. It is a wonderful initiative, and I commend everyone involved.

As the schools that are part of the community of schools celebrate 50 years, there is much cause for celebration. Guise Public School will proudly celebrate its fiftieth anniversary with an open day filled with much joy and no doubt lots of happy reflections. Families and community members will participate in various activities, including a Walk of Memories, where past students and teachers will share stories of their time at Guise. The celebrations will continue with classroom visits, a family picnic, high tea and a colour run. Curran Public School is also celebrating 50 years with schoolyard games across the decades, a community school tour and complimentary barbeque. The school is excited to welcome past and present families to share treasured memories and showcase memorabilia from Curran's rich history. James Meehan High School is hosting a fiftieth anniversary festival showcasing excellence in public education. The school will host a morning tea, performances, a barbecue and a time capsule dedication. The Community of Schools is excited to host the fiftieth anniversary celebrations, continuing a proud tradition of connection and community.

There is another important golden jubilee anniversary in our community, with close ties to the three schools in the heart of Macquarie Fields. Opened on 29 September 1975 by then Premier Tom Lewis, the then named Glenquarie Shopping Centre was a bold, community-driven project and the first of its kind developed solely by the council rather than private enterprise. Named as a combination of Glenfield and Macquarie Fields, it was built to meet the needs of the rapidly growing region. From virgin bushland to a bustling hub, the centre was carefully planned with the goal of creating a place for shopping, services and community connection. I congratulate Glenquarie Town Centre on 50 years of proudly serving our local community. I always feel welcome when I am there for my mobile office, sometimes with my local Federal member.

As the Community of Schools reflects on the past 50 years, it will also look ahead with the same courage, innovation and community spirit that inspired the founding vision. The next 50 years will see James Meehan High School, Curran Public School and Guise Public School continue the proud tradition of being a valuable part of our Macquarie Fields community, nurturing curious young minds, resilient learners and compassionate citizens. I look forward to many more special milestones for our local schools and seeing the services that they provide. The future is indeed very bright.