The public meeting took place on Wednesday, 9th May at the Gladesville Bowling & Sports Club, “Gladesville Sporties”. 

Jihad spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of teachers, principals, parents and grandparents. 

He spoke about:

• Academic success not being the only way for young adults to be a productive member of Australian society

• His belief that the hottest public schools should be air conditioned

• Schools potentially having solar panels to help pay for air conditioning running costs

He also addressed the community's concerns that 

• Teachers are under-resourced and not given any job security in the public sector

• Students with specific educational needs needs (like Braille books) are not catered for

• TAFE has been under-funded under the Liberal government 

Andrew Zbik says that “Labor is serious about community consultation” and will continue to be an active part of the Lane Cove community; listening to residents, working with them, and acting in their interests. 

Penny Pedersen says “Families in Ryde and Lane Cove rightly feel that local public schools have become overcrowded and under resourced as a result of rampant overdevelopment and growing maintenance backlog. It’s time to stop the neglect of our public education system”

Lane Cove Labor, Penny Pedersen and Andrew Zbik will continue to bring both State and Federal Labor MPs to the area to ensure that Lane Cove has a voice at every level of government.