Last night more than 200 former students and staff gathered to say goodbye to the Dover Gardens Primary School. The school officially closes on July 3. A booklet has been prepared to commemorate the school and its 53 year history. Please feel free to drop in to my office to pick one up.

Two years ago I was invited to join the School Council to join with parents in fighting to keep the school open. Dropping enrolment numbers - and lack of support from the Department - forced the school’s closure.

In Parliament I asked for, and received, an assurance from the Minister for Education that students transferred to nearby schools will be helped with rebates for their new uniforms and school fees, and current staff will be transferred to nearby schools to assist in the transition. I will continue lobbying the State Government to keep the Dover Gardens site as an educational facility. At the very least, the oval needs to be kept as open space.

(Photos of the farewell event will be posted soon).