Our Senior Year 10 to 12 girls’ leaders had the opportunity to visit the Parliament of Victoria on the special occasion of International Women’s Day, hosted by The Honourable Minister Lily D’Ambrosio (the Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Solar Homes) along with Kris Pavlidis (former Mayor of The City of Whittlesea). It was a special program where student leaders had meaningful conversations with the Minister, met with other MPs, tour of Parliament and watched a live Parliament legislative assembly.
Student Reflections:
- Hani Hussain Farzan, Year 11 (Environmental Captain)
The day started with a calm High Tea with Minister the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, where we had the opportunity to ask her a variety of questions. We then got to witness a chaotic fight scene in the House of Representatives, then continued meeting different ministers and finally had an extremely long ride back to school. Despite it being tiring at the end, it was enjoyable from the start. We all got to learn new things and took back to the important lessons. To conclude I would say, visiting the parliament, studying, getting to know the ministers with a bunch of lovely friends and great teachers was a delightful experience.
- Amnah Saad, Year 10 (SRC Leader)
I recently had the chance to go on an excursion to the State Parliament on International Women’s Day (8th of March). I was honoured to meet Kris Pavlidis (former Mayor of The City of Whittlesea), The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP (the Minister for Energy, Environment, and Climate Change), The Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP (Minister for Women), The Hon. Ros Spence MP (Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport, and Youth), and The Hon. Bronwyn Halfpenny MP (member for Thomastown).
We had time to ask The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP any questions we had regarding her work as well as about the Parliament in general, which was a good learning experience for us. We discussed the work she does as Minister for Climate Change and what further plans she has for Victoria to become more energy-efficient. We were also able to view an actual Parliament session and it was wonderful to see, in person, how everything works. The Parliament House building itself was really beautiful, especially the library and Queen’s Hall, which were definitely a sight to behold. Overall, it was a great experience. Thank you to Ms Noori and everyone else who made this opportunity possible for us.
- Zainab Rida, Year 11 (SRC Leader and Media Captain)
Daniel Andrews: that’s the first thing I’ll put out there. Before that, however, the trip to parliament awaits to be heard of; 6 students as well as 2 beautiful teachers, Ms Noori and Ms Rachael, we journeyed to the core of Melbourne CBD overflowing with an urge to explore and discover new things about our state. In having met the Minister of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP and the former Mayor of Whittlesea and current Assistant Minister, Kris Pavlidis, we had the opportunity to take back key knowledge about the reality of climate change, discussed at a small table with ironically huge importance. Not only that, but experiencing first-hand a full session at parliament, in which right before us sat THE Daniel Andrews, the Premier of Victoria. And with that, I end by saying: Happy International Women’s Day to all!
- Amnah Khan, Year 10 (House Captain)
Having the honour of joining Ms Noori and fellow students visit the Parliament House in Melbourne was a memorable experience. We got the opportunity to ask Minister the Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio MP some questions that we learnt some good lessons from. We were also able to witness a live hearing and it is so much more exciting than watching it through a screen.