Winmalee High School students had the opportunity to discuss issues of global importance when Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong paid a visit with Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman.

Senator Wong spoke about Australia’s place in the world on Friday, December 10 to about 30 students from Years 7 to 11, who then peppered the Shadow Minister with questions.

“The Q&A session was not only articulate and well-informed but ranged from global issues like climate change to personal challenges Penny has faced in her career,” Ms Templeman said.

“It was a great discussion that focussed on Labor’s concerns for respectful debate both inside and outside parliament, and the challenges of bringing people together on important issues to achieve real change.

“I would like to thank the students and their teachers, particularly Principal Voula Facas, for such an engaging morning.

“It was also wonderful for Penny and I to meet the two Year 12 graduates who created the school’s Young Empowered Woman Award, which was presented in this year for the first time and which I sponsored.

“2021 School Captain Lauren Bailey and Prefect Hanna Brandenberg developed the criteria for the award, which is presented to a female student who possesses vision, innovation, leadership and tenacity, with the ultimate goal being to promote equality and act as a role model for young female students.

“The award is open to all the school’s female students from Years 7 to 12, and I am very pleased that Lauren herself was the very first recipient.

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