Library campaign victory

By Henry Rajendra

After a committed and whole school community campaign the Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt has announced Eastern Creek Public School will receive their long awaited purpose-built library.

Planning will commence this term.

Eastern Creek Public School Federation Representative Sheridan Buckingham said: "We are delighted with the Minister's decision to grant our school this needed facility. Teachers, parents and the wider school community worked hard to make their case for a new library."

The school was promised a purpose-built library back in 1997. After a long wait, teachers decided in June this year that enough was enough. They decided take to their case directly to the Minister after a lack of commitment from the Department of Education and Training. After countless letters, petitions, community meetings, threatened industrial action, broad media coverage and a meeting with the Minister, the school has achieved what they have always deserved.

"The school community now looks forward to participating in the planning process to ensure the new library meets the educational needs of all students," Ms Buckingham added.

The success of this campaign was underpinned by the unrelenting and determined parents and teachers at Eastern Creek Public School working together in the interests of their children.

The school community is to be congratulated on achieving an outstanding outcome.

Henry Rajendra is a City Organiser.

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November 2006 contents