Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland)—I congratulate Lauren Gear upon her nomination for the recent Local Woman of The Year Award. Following her graduation from the University of Newcastle with Honours in 2019, Lauren received a targeted graduate placement with the Department of Education. Lauren is now a Special Education Teacher at Rutherford Technology High School. Lauren works tirelessly to ensure the inclusion of her support students within the wider community. In collaboration with other support units, staff and community members, Lauren creates multiple out of school excursions that provide sports, dance and social opportunities for these students. Every step that Lauren takes to support her students is in collaboration with their parents and carers. Lauren believes this is key to ensuring her students have access to a supportive learning environment with the appropriate resources. Lauren is passionate about developing and delivering Individual Education Plans that support students' academically, whilst also providing them with vital life skills. I commend Lauren for her work and her giving of herself as an educator. I congratulate her upon this nomination and I wish her a stellar future powerfully contributing to children's lives.