Nobody in Campbelltown has had anything nice to say about NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli since he announced the relocation of Hurlstone Agricultural College at this time one year ago.
The minister has been the subject of ceaseless criticism since he revealed of our most iconic schools would be no more after almost 90 years.
Both local members, Anoulack Chanthivong and Greg Warren, have let Mr Piccoli have it with both barrels since then.
But this week there is a ceasefire, because the minister has graciously agreed to fund the trip of special needs local students to PNG.
The Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren, has welcomed a grant of $18,000 to support staff and students from Lomandra School who will be completing the Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea next year.
The grant from the NSW Government will assist students in paying for expenses relating to the trip, including flights and the purchase of hiking equipment.
The grant was secured after Mr Warren met with the education minister to discuss the school’s trip and the immense benefits it has for the students involved.
Lomandra School is a special purpose school that caters for students with moderate to severe behavioural and social difficulties.
Next year’s trip is the school’s third trip to Kokoda, with previous delegations completing the Trek in 2013 and 2015.
Mr Warren will also be joining staff and students on his second trip to Kokoda, after completing the Trek in 2014 to raise over $30,000 for the pediatric ward at Campbelltown Hospital.
“I’m delighted to be able to announce this grant to support the staff and students from Lomandra in their trip to Kokoda next year,’’ he said.
“I want to thank everyone involved in securing this grant, as it will make a huge difference in the lives of the students completing the Trek.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I particularly want to thank the Education Minister for putting our differing politics aside and joining me in supporting Lomandra School.[/social_quote]
“Kokoda is a life-changing experience that teaches important life lessons about mental and physical strength, determination and perseverance, and it’s great that the kids at Lomandra will have the opportunity to do that next year without their families having to worry about finances,’’ Mr Warren said.
