Mannum to Canberra – a 1400km trip for a front row set to Democracy

Mannum to Canberra – a 1400km trip for a front row set to Democracy

It’s a long way from Mannum to Canberra and 25 local students recently clocked up the travel miles for the chance to see Federal Parliament in action.

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, caught up with the Mannum Community College students following their 5 August visit to Parliament House, hearing about their trip, answering their questions and presenting them with commemorative certificates.

“For regional kids, Canberra isn’t just around the corner. Getting there takes commitment but seeing Parliament up close and understanding how decisions are made is an experience worth travelling for,” Mr Pasin said.

Mr Pasin knows the feeling. His own first visit to Parliament House was as a Year 7 student from Mount Gambier.

“I was a country kid sitting in Parliament House, and I certainly wasn’t thinking that one day I’d be back there representing my community,” Mr Pasin said.

“That’s the message I wanted these students to take away, your postcode doesn’t limit your possibilities.

“Someone sitting in a Mannum classroom today could be sitting on the floor of the Australian Parliament in years to come.

“I loved their questions, their enthusiasm and their willingness to get involved. Full credit to the teachers and families who make experiences like this possible for regional students.”