Today I recognise the French-speaking Association of the North Shore and its diligent work in supporting the French community on the northern beaches.
Founded in 1998, the association has worked to build and sustain the French community in Wakehurst. This organisation supports families in maintaining their language and cultural identity, whilst also teaching French to the wider community through its French bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School. From humble beginnings, the French-speaking Association of the North Shore has now grown into a thriving organisation, teaching 560 students across 27 classes.
I was delighted to attend the seventeenth edition of the French Markets on 5 November this year with the French ambassador, who flew up from Canberra that morning, reflecting the high regard in which the event and organisation are held. I also acknowledge the achievements of Clemence Duprat, leader of the French Markets, who has been nominated for Woman of the Year in the 2023 French-Australian Excellence Awards.
Through the hard work of volunteers, employees, school parents and teachers, the French-speaking Association of the North Shore is a true source of pride for our community, and I thank its members.