“Where Languages & Cultures Come together”: NSW Premier pledges ongoing support for community language teaching

The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has given a strong commitment to supporting community language teaching in the state.

Speaking at the 40th anniversary dinner of the Federation of Community Language Schools Inc (NSWFCLS), the Premier spoke passionately of the value of teaching children a second language as a cultural and economic asset for New South Wales.

Twelve months ago, Ms Berejiklian announced a 10.9 million dollar investment in the community language sector.

Also speaking at the anniversary dinner, the Opposition Education Spokesman, Jihad Dib, promised a Labour Government would maintain the investment.

More than a thousand language teachers, political figures, including Victor Dominello, Minister for Finance, Services and Property and Ray Williams, Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Disability Services, supporters and community leaders attended the function at the Punchbowl Club.

During the function, the Federation President for the last 14 years, Albert Vella OAM, announced he would step down from the post.

Mr Vella told his audience of his great delight at seeing the extraordinary growth in the sector and the continuing expansion of the languages being taught at schools run by Federation member organisations.

The retiring President was warmly praised by all speakers at the dinner.

The new President is Ms Lúcia Johns who has welcomed the challenge of leading the organisation and committed herself to “work tirelessly to promote the significant benefits of bilingualism to the state and people of New South Wales”.