Aunty Selina Archibald

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Aunty Selena Archibald who was presented with a Lifetime Patron Award by the Itji-Marru Aboriginal Education Consultative Group at the Western Shores Learning Alliance Deadly Awards this week. Over the past 25 years Aunty Selena has nurtured over 700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Morisset High School through her role as the Aboriginal Education Officer, teaching them to dream big, step up as future leaders, connect with their culture and identity as First Nations People. Almost 25-per-cent of the students at Morisset High School are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and Aunty Selena has made a real difference to their lives. Many past students credit Aunty Selena with their success post high school. It is the first time that the Itji-Marru Aboriginal Education Consultative Group has recognised a member of the Morisset community with such an honour. Once again, I would like to congratulate Aunty Selena on not only receiving this prestigious honour but also for all of the good work she is doing with our young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.