Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly) [5.01 p.m.]: It is a privilege to speak about Stewart House, which is not only an important and proud institution within the community of Manly but is also held with great pride by many schools, people and communities across this State. At this time members focus on the upcoming Christmas season and know of the many jobs we have to do. We get burdened by our activities of life and we often lose perspective. There are many amongst us and across many communities in New South Wales that are significantly disadvantaged and certainly in very trying and terrible circumstances. Stewart House holds out a beacon of hope to many communities and schools who have to deal day in, day out with kids in very difficult situations.

For 77 years Stewart House has been helping vulnerable students through the State. Fundraising efforts of schools across New South Wales, through salary donations from the teachers, along with some government funds, enables Stewart House to care for almost 2,000 children each year. Almost all public schools are invited to participate in its great fundraising program, which they do with vigour. Each year I have the privilege to attend the presentation and see schools from far and wide hand in coins and sometimes large amounts of money from the efforts of young kids caring for those within their communities and schools that are in very difficult circumstances. Stewart House, like all institutions in these times, is in need of funds. For many years Stewart House has struggled to match the rising expenses of offering its services and this year it continues to struggle. I call on all members to encourage all school teachers in their electorates to provide service and assistance to Stewart House, and to dig deep this year.

Stewart House was built at South Curl Curl in 1931 with the support of the Department of Education and the Teachers' Federation. The kids there have special welfare needs. I remember talking to a staff member who dealt with a kid one morning who said, "I never knew that life could be this good." Often the kids come from torn families or from families with incidents of domestic violence and with significant periods of grief. They are given an opportunity to reflect and enjoy other kids, the ocean and activities to remind them that life has a deep richness, that their circumstances can be overcome and that there is a way through them. The lives of many kids have been turned around. I remember one student who said he comes back to Stewart House every year with his family to show them that it was transformational in his life. He turned his life from one of despair to one of hope, which is what Stewart House does.

Every two weeks of the year 90 kids are cared for by Stewart House. I pay particular tribute to the principal, Marilyn Bourne, and the general manager, Graham Philpotts. I recognise the huge contribution of the teachers, carers, cooks, cleaners, maintenance staff and after-hours staff who make Stewart House such a special place. About $2.5 million a year is needed to run Stewart House. It would not be possible without donations from teachers across New South Wales. The compelling statistic is that voluntary contributions come from teachers' salaries, which is a terrific testament to them. Last year about $895,00 was raised from 1,810 government schools. The concern is that 50 per cent of those teachers who contribute will retire in the next five years and they are not being replaced quickly enough.

I call on the new generation of teachers to take up this cause. Stewart House is old, rundown and in need of a maintenance refit. The magic of Stewart House as a place of hope for families and kids in despair is so important. I call on that new generation and the school communities to come together and continue to dig deep. I thank the work of Stewart House in such a real and special way. I think I speak for both sides of the House when I say that we acknowledge their work and contribution, and we as one want to support its efforts today and in the years ahead.