St Joseph’s Christian College
13 May, 2025
Iwan WALTERS (Greenvale) (13:19): I would like to speak on St Joseph’s Christian College, a project of profound importance to many of my constituents, particularly those of Assyrian heritage, and a project that this Victorian government will deliver in partnership with community. I thank those who have been working with me over recent months and years to ensure that this project is delivered, especially His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya and past mayor of Hume City Council Joseph Haweil. Our Assyrian community has a deep knowledge that freedom of faith is not an abstract principle. It has experienced persecution across generations. For Assyrians, Victoria represents safety, security and the right to practice faith freely and to embrace history, culture and language. St Joseph’s will be an expression of those freedoms and an enduring symbol of the Assyrian community in Victoria.
The independent planning process to reach this point has been a challenging one, and I share the frustrations of the community. But the closing of one chapter provides a renewed opportunity to work together to achieve a positive solution. Now the VCAT process is over we can get on with delivering the school. I will not rest until St Joseph’s moves from a plan to a reality, with land and funding secured. This commitment to establishing St Joseph’s is shared across the Victorian government. It is why the Deputy Premier and his department are working with the community and why I look forward to our Premier joining me in the north with the Assyrian community soon. This Victorian government is proud to support the choices of parents and families to pursue faith-based education for their children. Unlike other parties, we do not just spout empty rhetoric. We partner with communities to build schools and we invest in faith-based education. It is why we are funding new and expanded schools in my community like Kolbe Catholic College, Mary Queen of Heaven, Aitken College, Oscar Romero primary, Holy Cross Mickleham and St Carlo Acutis. My commitment to the Assyrian community is simple: I will not cease my advocacy and work on your behalf until this school is delivered.