Mulgoa Electorate Local Woman of the Year Sally Smithard

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-100907

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Mulgoa Electorate Local Woman of the Year Sally Smithard

Ms TANYA DAVIES (MulgoaMinister for Mental Health, Minister for Women, and Minister for Ageing) (17:27:40):½ years,

— Today marks International Women's Day, a time for recognition and celebration of the invaluable contributions women make within our society. In light of today's significance I acknowledge and commend, as well as celebrate and recognise, the hard work, determination and dedication of Sally Smithard, Mulgoa's Local Woman of the Year. Sally was nominated for her demonstrated outstanding leadership not only as relieving principal at St Clair High School but also for leading and directing the school's massive rebuilding infrastructure program. She has been a member of the St Clair High School community for eight years. Sally first filled the role as head teacher, Human Society and Its Environment [HSIE]. She then became deputy principal and, for the last 3has filled the role of relieving principal. But the story of St Clair High School took a devastating and unexpected twist. On 29 June 2014 a massive fire ripped through 80 per cent of the teaching, learning and staffing spaces.

On 5 August 2014, I spoke in this place about that event and the remarkable response from within the school, the wider community and the Department of Education and Communities to ensure that the students could continue their schooling when they returned for term 3—a short two weeks after the fire. In this speech on 5 August 2014 I highlighted the extraordinary effort of Sally at this time by talking about, "Sally Smithard, co-principal, who was at the school every day from the morning of the fire through to the commencement of the school term, often with her young children in tow." Shortly thereafter she took on the relieving principal role and also took on the project management of the school rebuild. Over the past 3½ years the rebuild has faced numerous hurdles and challenges, as every massive infrastructure project does. Sally has steadily, patiently, confidently and emphatically led the school during this time.

Sally Smithard has taken a hands-on role in the school's rebuilding process, overseeing all aspects of the $24.6 million rebuild. But the $24.6 million budget was not always what was on the table for St Clair High School. Initially, the insurance payout was projected to be around $7 million to $9 million, which would have enabled only the replacement of the existing 35-plus year old school on fire-affected foundations which, when presented to me, was a concept I totally rejected. I fought hard to ensure that my team, the New South Wales Liberal and Nationals Government, backed my community in delivering an additional $15 million for the rebuild project budget. To this day, I acknowledge the then New South Wales Treasurer, Andrew Constance, for his total and unwavering support of my community and the St Clair High School family by providing this additional budget to enable St Clair High School to have the advanced educational facilities that it deserves.

The project has become a personal passion for Sally, who has always aimed to ensure that St Clair High School rises from the ashes. She has faced a tough workload, but has risen with grace and strong leadership to ensure her school community will receive the very best result from this rebuilding project. The rebuild of St Clair High School is taking shape as an air-conditioned innovation centre where 16 new teaching spaces, a research area, lecture hall, a kitchen, a cafe and break-out areas are featured. Alongside the innovation centre, a tiered outdoor learning space shaped as an amphitheatre, new basketball courts and car parking are also being constructed. Since the 2014 fire, Sally has led the school community with purpose and dedication through the process to ensure the new learning, recreational and meeting spaces are quality, future focused and responsive to the emerging needs of a modern school and wider community. The innovation centre reflects St Clair High School's important partnership with the Western Sydney University and local community groups.

Sally has been relentless in her advocacy for all members of the school community. She has juggled this exceedingly demanding time with her role as relieving principal and balancing her personal commitments during this four-year period. Sally is a passionate, committed public school educator who is determined to ensure that every student at St Clair High School is known, valued and cared for. Sally makes certain each member of staff is supported to deliver quality education experiences to improve the learning and life outcomes for every student at the school. Sally works in partnership with parents, carers and members of the wider community to ensure that students are best supported in their education.

Sally is an outstanding school leader and educator, and is deserving of recognition as the Mulgoa Local Woman of the Year. I once again congratulate the 2018 Mulgoa Local Woman of the Year, Sally Smithard, and thank her for the inspiration that she is. Today she attended the International Women's Day event at the International Convention Centre with her husband. They and every other recipient of the Local Woman of the Year Award were made to feel very special, as they should be. They are all appreciated.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (17:33:10):

I congratulate the 2018 Mulgoa Local Woman of the Year, Sally Smithard and note that Rosemary Bishop is the 2018 Oatley Local Woman of the Year. 3Bridges Community Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Bishop received the award in recognition of her dedication and hard work in the St George community. Ms Bishop's commitment to bringing positive change to the local area made her an outstanding candidate. Ms Bishop has a background of working in the not-for-profit sector, bringing a wealth of experience to her current role at 3Bridges Community. Ms Bishop's outstanding leadership ensures the organisation's mission continues to flourish and grow. The 3Bridges Community is dedicated to supporting the local community through a variety of services for children, young people, families and seniors. This local award is designed to acknowledge the wonderful women in and around New South Wales. I particularly acknowledge Ms Bishop, who is from my electorate.