Our Community Centre recently came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone—50 years of service, growth, and positive change in our local community. The celebration was made even more special by the presence of the Hon. Julia Gillard AC, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, who joined us as our guest of honour. This event not only marked our rich history but also the exciting new chapter of our future with the official launch of our Julia Gillard Community College, a school inspired by Julia’s ongoing advocacy for education and equity.
During the formal celebration, two of our community college students, Dalia and Chris, had the opportunity to share their personal stories with the audience, speaking about the profound impact our school has had on their lives. Dalia spoke openly about her struggles in mainstream education and how our school has helped her rebuild her confidence. “When I think about how my school has helped me, I’m so grateful I switched,” she shared. “My old school made me feel overlooked and unheard, but here, I feel seen, supported, and understood.” She went on to highlight the strong connections she has formed with her teachers, whose genuine care and attention have been pivotal in her academic growth. “The teachers here really care about us—they listen to our concerns and encourage us to do our best,” Dalia said, reflecting on how much that has changed her outlook on education.
Chris also shared his journey, speaking about his previous disengagement with education and how, over time, our school has helped him develop a new mindset, enabling him to achieve things he once thought impossible.
After the formal celebration, Julia Gillard took the time to visit our school and meet with students, an honour that was deeply appreciated by all. Her visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of education and community in shaping the future of young people.
The launch of Julia Gillard Community College marks the beginning of a new chapter for our community, one that is grounded in the values of opportunity, support, and the belief that every student can thrive. Thank you to everyone who made this celebration so memorable, and here’s to the next 50 years of empowering students, fostering connections, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
