SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH LOCHINVAR

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) (20:38): Earlier this month, 3 September 2023, the Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar celebrated the 140‑year anniversary of its arrival in Lochinvar. In 1883, four sisters made the arduous journey to Maitland from Perthville near Bathurst, travelling by train, boat and buggy and arriving to a warm community welcome. This day marked the beginning of Catholic education in the Hunter Valley. This grassroots Catholic education sought to bridge the gap between the wealthy and poor. The sisters made it their mission to teach children who would otherwise not receive an education. The sisters worked tirelessly, establishing schools and convents across the diocese. Lochinvar became their mother house, accommodating more than 200 borders at one point. That first modest school grew into St Joseph's College, now a thriving co‑educational high school with almost 1,000 students. Over the years the sisters' network has grown from that one building at Lochinvar to 50 primary schools and 10 secondary schools across the Hunter, mid North Coast and Port Macquarie‑Hastings. Today 59 sisters still live on the school site at Lochinvar and are valued members of our community.