Torrential rain (and even the lack of a Gonski Bus!) could not stop more than 80 teachers, parents and community members from attending The Great Gonski Gathering in Port Macquarie yesterday.
While the planned march had to be cancelled, all those in attendance took the time to #getonboardwithGonski and write a personal message on green Gonski hands to their local Federal MP which was being delivered to his office by a local delegation today.
Port Macquarie TA President Phil Von Schoenberg, who was instrumental in organising the rally which involved activists from Macleay River TA, Hasting River TA and Camden Haven TA as well as his own association, was overwhelmed with the roll-up and spoke passionately to the crowd about the importance of the Gonski and the difference collective action will play in ensuring the future of needs based funding.
Other speakers who outlined their support for Gonski included local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group President Maree Hutchinson who explained the importance of Gonski funding not just to Aboriginal students but to all students.
P&C President Leanne Burbridge outlined how Gonski funding is making a difference in her child’s school and how parents were willing and able to fight side by side with teachers to ensure the Gonski funding guarantee is delivered.
The crowd vowed to ramp up the campaign and by calling the offices of the local federal MP in the coming days and to continue to spread the word on Gonski.
Photo shows Phil von Schoenberg, President of the Port Macquarie TA, John Rigg, teacher at Port Macquarie Public and Maree Hutchison AECG Presiden