Mr NINOS KHOSHABA (Smithfield) [6.00 p.m.]: I refer to the efforts of the Corporate Partners for Change [CPC] and its assistance to the constituents in my electorate of Smithfield. Recently I was privileged to attend its tenth anniversary at the Spastic Centre in Prairiewood. The anniversary highlighted CPC's commitment to assist individuals through providing nationally recognised, prevocational training in skill shortage areas for people facing barriers to employment. In its 10 years 700 students have graduated from programs as varied as electrical trades, retail, information technology services, child care, disability work and aged care work, to name a few. It is clear that these programs not only assist the student in acquiring new employment, but also contribute to the wider community through increased services in these sectors.

I take this opportunity to highlight the personal triumphs of the 700th graduate of CPC, Ermioni Mouzouros. After migrating to Australia, Ermioni had the difficult responsibility of raising her four children single-handedly. She did not pursue her own goals, but rather devoted all her efforts towards her children in order to ensure they got all the support they needed. Deciding that the time was right, Ermioni enrolled in CPC's Children Services Program. Despite the program providing quality education and increasing Ermioni's skills and work experience, the opportunity to meet different people and make new friends was recognised to be a highlight of her experience.

I am sure that we can all agree that education and training opens doors. The more post-school qualifications a person has the more likely he or she will secure employment. CPC aids in allowing individuals to achieve this, but also provides them with assistance in clarifying their goals whilst improving their self-confidence and motivation. On this point I will highlight stories of other people from the program: People such as Viola Choi, who after completing her studies at CPC finds herself tutoring aged care nursing assistants with the aim of breaking down language barriers within the industry. Viola will help tutor a new crop of recruits into this highly valued sector, being a testament to the program's success.

Shem Swadling, who left school at the age of 16, was able to secure an apprenticeship with electrical firm Jagtech after completing one of CPC's programs. CPC provided the practical experience that increased the competitiveness of Shem's application and got him over the line. Finally, true fighters such as Ian Weir deserve a mention. With the assistance of CPC he has beaten the dual stigma of long-term unemployment and disability by starting his traineeship at the Office of State Revenue. Those graduates would not be able to capitalise on those opportunities if it were not for the support of their trainers. The trainers provide students not only with the subject matter knowledge to do well in their chosen occupations but also with the confidence to excel in life's challenges.

Students have told me many heartfelt stories of the unwavering support given by the trainers to their individual needs. This above-the-call-of-duty support is evidenced by the high completion rates for the courses. I also acknowledge the commitments made to the program by employers across the region. It is good to see a helping hand being offered by these organisations. They provide that window of opportunity, whether it is work experience, the offer of further training or just by giving someone a chance to prove himself or herself in the workplace. All these different types of assistance reinforce the view that people in Western Sydney genuinely care for the wellbeing of their neighbours, and this program is proof of that.

However, the program would not exist without the funding support from the Department of Education and Training. This support has been significant at approximately $2.54 million, with plans to extend this program to other regions around the State. The staff at the Office of the Minister for Western Sydney must be applauded. Their coordination and commitment has been one of the major factors for the success of CPC. People such as Neil Harbridge, Melinda Lord and Zac Lalic must be acknowledged for their hard work over the years. Frank Sedmak, General Manager of Human Resources, and Rob White, Chief Executive Officer at the Spastic Centre in Prairiewood, must be mentioned for their efforts to make the CPC tenth anniversary event a reality. Students and supporters of CPC were in attendance and were able to share some of their inspiring stories. Employers were rewarded and thanked by members of the community and the State Government. I was able to witness the product of CPC's efforts. I hope to see the great work of CPC in assisting the people of New South Wales and my electorate continue for the years to come.