MURRAYLANDS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15:52): I rise today to put on the record my pride about and to offer my congratulations to the Murraylands Christian College at Strathalbyn, a college I have watched with interest develop over a period of years now. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the 2012 secondary presentation night and year 12 graduation.

Any member of parliament who was to visit this college would see how fantastic the college is when it comes to the ethos of the college generally, the curriculum development and also the magnificent attitude of the young people attending that school. To a large part, credit needs to be given to the parents of the young people for choosing the school but also to the principal, Mr Ken Allen, a very dedicated and focused educator, and the deputy principal, Mr Bruce Hicks, also a very dedicated and strong educator.

I want to pay tribute to Pastor Lew McMaster and Pastor Heather McMaster, who also have had an overseer's role with the college and in Christian education throughout this state. They do a wonderful job. The school council is very committed, and the quality of the teachers and their dedication to the college is to be commended.

What I also found interesting was just how broadranging the education opportunities are at the Murraylands Christian College at Strathalbyn, which was highlighted by the awards presented that night. Presented that night were awards for volunteering and diligence, as well as the Tabor Christian Character Award and the Mayo Leadership Award, which I think is donated each year by the federal member, Jamie Briggs. Then, of course, there is David Dridan, someone who I know well from the art world, who encourages the development of arts there as a local resident. Also presented were the Faculty Award, the ADF Long Tan Leadership Award, which I had the privilege of presenting, and then the Caltex All Rounder Award, all of which were awarded to very able and committed young people at that college.

It was also interesting to note the care of the infrastructure at the college and some of the very new buildings, including the quality gymnasium in which we had the presentation evening. It integrates well with the church and other infrastructure that the church has on the adjoining campus, and I know a lot of integrated work is being done there between the students and the church community.

I want to finish by saying that, in a town like Strathalbyn, which is a vibrant and growing town, it is nice to see a choice between public and private. These students come not only from Strathalbyn but also from a large range of towns and districts surrounding Strathalbyn, including my own hometown of Mount Compass. I know, from the successes of some of the students I have seen who have graduated through Murraylands Christian College and looking at the quality and commitment of the students currently there, that the future augurs well for South Australia when you see the all-round education these students are receiving at the school. I am pleased to commend the college to the council.