Joan Kirner was a strong supporter of languages education and of community language schools/ethnic schools.
As Minister for Education and later as Premier she recognised the important role community language schools played in maintaining language and culture.
She always showed an interest in the growth and activities of community language schools, even after leaving political life.
Under the watch the State-wide Resources Centre now Languages and Multicultural Education Resources Centre (LMERC) became the hub of activity and support for language, multicultural and ESL (now EAL) teachers including community languages school teachers and instructors.
Her support for community languages schools is recognised and will be remembered.
Community Languages Australia /Australian Federation of Ethnic Schools Associations (AFESA) express their deepest sympathy to her husband Ron, her children, extended family, colleagues and friends
May she rest in peace!
Tassos Douvartzides/ Stefan Romaniw OAM, Chairman Executive Director
