NSW P and C Federation Far West Councillor, Forbes’ Natalie Walker, was thrilled that she and delegates Helen Carpenter and Diane Darcy were able to coordinate the meeting.

They brought School Infrastructure NSW Mr Anthony Manning to Forbes High School where they hosted representatives from 14 schools, and more via video link. 

Accompanying Anthony were executive directors and directors of the Department’s asset management unit.

The Far West electorate covers a third of the state and includes 120 public schools, accounting for 22985 students. 

“We were hoping that information sessions such as these will create opportunities for P&C’s and Principals to work together to support improved outcomes for our children in public education,” Mrs Walker said..

“Being the first one in the Far West, it was really encouraging to receive the positive feedback from participants involved in the day and the support from Principal, Mrs Bristina from Forbes High School in hosting the event with us.”

Schools Infrastructure NSW is a relatively new arm of the Department of Education. 

The Information session enabled participants to discuss and learn about the future directions of the Department of Education Schools Infrastructure NSW section. 

During the information session, discussions were held around a new initiative whereas of the first of July, schools and P&C’s are to work together to identify 10 projects for their individual schools and look at developing a long-term vision for their school. 

“Anthony has been fantastic to engage with for us as parents and the direction being taken by him and his team within the Department in such a short period of time is really encouraging for us as parents to see,” Mrs Walker said. 

“Anthony Manning also talked about ways P&C’s and schools can work together as a partnership to achieve positive outcomes for students relating to Infrastructure and how best to work with the AMU – creating improved partnerships and understanding the processes.”

Helen Carpenter, P&C Federation delegate for Far West added: “It’s great to see the NSW Department of Education take such an interest in coming out to our schools and meeting with parents, community members and Principals to share information and create stronger connections. With the challenges of distance, it is opportunities like these that we truly value in the Far West Electorate.”

Mrs Walker also commented she hoped it was the first of many more to come and would like to encourage more P&C members and Principals to keep an eye out for future information sessions in the Far West.