Today I was pleased to celebrate the 'First Class 19' Exhibitionat the Museum of Art and Culture. This is what I said:

On 14th February 2020 I was delighted to participate in the opening of the 'First Class 19' art exhibition in the Museum of Art and Culture. The exhibition, now in its twelfth year, celebrates the work of Hunter and Central Coast students, and showcases excellent work that has been selected from Higher School Certificate submissions.

The artwork focuses on the themes of nature and the environment, memories, family, and the importance of culture, and students' contemporary concerns including mental health, climate change, pollution and injustice.

Artwork was selected from 145 pieces from 37 schools, including artwork by students from Warners Bay High School: Jade Behrens, Monique Carey, Renae Cleary, Melanie Hain, Abbey Hindmarsh (who I was privileged to meet), Brad McKinnon, Jasmine McPherson, Tahnee Marriott, Ellie Pritchard and Bethany Urbanowicz; and Kotara High School students Preston Brook, Lauren Donoghoe, Kaylyn Fairhurst, Jasmine Hammond, Ainsley Knox, Serena Rossi and Lincoln Trevett.

I congratulate all of the talented students whose art work was submitted, and especially those who had their work displayed. I also recognise the art teachers of the schools of the Hunter and Central Coast, and the exhibition's curator Helen Willis.