Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (18:27): A highlight of each year for me is when I host two high school leaders from each secondary school in the Wahroonga electorate for a tour and special dinner in the President's Dining Room at Parliament House here in Macquarie Street. This annual tradition—commenced by my predecessor, as member for Ku-ring-gai—has now survived a redistribution and provides these remarkable young people with an opportunity to understand some of our State's democratic history, to witness its democratic processes in action and to better understand how decisions made in this place affect lives and communities. It also provides me with a valuable opportunity to hear directly from our young people about their perspectives on various issues.

Every year, without exception, I am deeply impressed by the confidence, curiosity and engagement of our young leaders. Their level of maturity and insight reflects the strong values instilled in them by their families, schools and teachers. The students in attendance this year were Jazarah Tambyrajah and Nell Owen from Abbotsleigh, Huntley Stace and Bea Meyer from Barker College, Ruby Young and Helen Bui from Hornsby Girls High School, Arjun Vishnu and Chester Swaffer from Knox Grammar School, Keenor Sabaa and Lucy McKenna from Loreto Normanhurst, Ashwyn Tyagi and Ashton Huynh from Normanhurst Boys High School, Abigail Chapman and Thomas Passe-de Silva from Pennant Hills High School, Ang-Ya Koo and Emily Abadee from Pymble Ladies' College, Maya Manjah and Eliza Waugh from St Leo's Catholic College, Sophie Robinson and Angus Lloyd from Turramurra High School, and Audrey Kennedy and Toby Pope from Wahroonga Adventist School. These young leaders are aspirational, intelligent and forward-thinking.

During our conversations, many shared their ambitions for the future, expressing a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to society. They spoke about pursuing varied careers in areas such as law, engineering, science and even actuarial studies, showing a passion about learning more about our world and building our future communities. A number of students also shared their interest in healthcare professions such as physiotherapy and medicine, motivated by a desire to help others and improve quality of life. It was clear that these students possess both ambition and compassion—qualities that will undoubtedly serve them and our State well in the future.

We also spoke about their broader hopes for the future, from attending university and studying abroad, to travelling and experiencing life beyond their local communities. Their eagerness to learn and to explore the world reminded me of the importance of nurturing curiosity and global awareness in our young people. When I finished high school, I too had the opportunity to travel, spending several months backpacking through Europe. It remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was able to visit family in the Netherlands, immerse myself in different cultures and see firsthand the diversity and richness of the world beyond Australia. That experience broadened my perspectives and deepened my appreciation for the opportunities we have here at home.

As these students approach such a significant milestone, I encouraged them to maintain a sense of balance and wellbeing. It is important that they do not become overwhelmed by pressure or lose sight of what brings them happiness. Making time for friends, family and the activities they enjoy is essential for making it through the end of school. Those moments of connection and rest are not distractions; they are what sustain us through the most challenging periods of our lives. This week, many year 12 students will commence their HSC exams—the culmination of 13 years of schooling, effort and dedication. I wish all the students across New South Wales who are sitting their HSC exams this year the very best and congratulate them on completing high school. The Wahroonga electorate is an educational powerhouse, with the most HSC students each year in our State. I had the opportunity to attend the graduation ceremonies of those high schools during the last week of term 3. Those ceremonies were an important time to celebrate all that the year 12 students had achieved and to recognise the high achievers of each school before they undertake their final exams.

Finally, I remind students that while academic results are important, they do not define a person's worth or future potential. Success takes many forms, and often life provides unexpected opportunities. Even if the first pathway does not unfold exactly as they had planned, they will have countless ways to reach their goals. With determination, curiosity and persistence, they can achieve whatever they set their mind to. I genuinely believe that success is 10 per cent inspiration and 90 per cent perspiration. I encourage every student to stick out whatever they wish to do. Go well, and congratulations on completing high school.