The Forum, which is part of the Hurlstone Inquiry, is designed to explore the proposed land sale and future opportunities for the school, and will be held next Thursday 9 July.

NSW Farmers’ Association President Rural Affairs Committee Chair Sarah Thompson says the Forum will provide the opportunity for concerned community members and parents to have direct input into the decision-making process.

“The Association believes agricultural education is critical, as it provides the foundation for our future leaders and promotes the wider understanding of agricultural issues among the community,” Ms Thompson said.

“We believe that schools such as Hurlstone play an integral role in this education, and therefore must be maintained and supported,” Ms Thompson said.

The Association is encouraging attendance at the Forum which will take place at the Hurlstone Agriculture High School library from 7:30pm on Thursday 9 July. In addition, the Association is also encouraging attendance at the School’s open day this Sunday 5 July.

“The Association will be at the Open Day to demonstrate our opposition to the sale of land at Hurlstone and to reinforce our commitment to the future of agricultural education in this State,” Ms Thompson said.

“We encourage all concerned individuals and groups to attend the Open Day and the Forum, and to make a submission to the Hurlstone Inquiry, with the deadline for submissions fast approaching,” Ms Thompson said.

The deadline for submissions to the Hurlstone Inquiry is Monday 3 August. Further information and the Terms of Reference can be found on the Inquiry website: www.hurlstoneinquiry.nsw.gov.au.