Julie and I are delighted to be here this morning for what is a truly remarkable project – one that adds to the rich history of Fairbridge Village and, importantly, places the wonderful work that Fairbridge does in context.

I met John Lane during my first official visit to Fairbridge as Patron earlier this year. At the time, John showed me, with great enthusiasm, the cottage under construction and invited me to return to see it on its completion and to take part in its opening. Today marks that event and I am so pleased to be with you all to take part in this official opening together with John.

Firstly, I would like to share some of the story behind this incredible project with you.

In early 2004, John Lane expressed a desire to construct a replica "Old Boys Cottage" of the cottages as they were in the early 1930s when John was at Fairbridge. John felt that it was important for the history of Fairbridge to ensure that visitors experienced what the cottages were really like in the early 1900s prior to any adaptations being made to the cottages during the years.

Unfortunately, at the same time, John had been informed that he had Motor Neuron Disease. His strong desire remained – to see his dream realised and sought to have the project completed prior to his health failing.

John approached the Board of Governors of Fairbridge seeking support for his request, which was given. John and his wife, Ronda, then made an impressive commitment of more than $25,000 to see the project become a reality.

This also involved the strong support of John Lane’s son, Michael, many volunteers, local businesses and Fairbridge staff donated items and materials. As well, Fairbridge Indigenous construction trainees, apprentices and students worked alongside the Ministry of Justice program. What we now see before us is the $100,000 plus project successfully completed.

The Shire of Murray provided planning approval and a building licence for the cottage in August 2004. Mike Collett, Footbridge’s architect, agreed to be the project manager and Martin Rawlinson, Footbridge’s builder, was the registered builder for the project.

The cottage was designed and constructed from the original plans of cottages and from the memories of old Fairbridgians.

In line with the historic process of naming buildings at Fairbridge, John Lane requested the replica cottage be named after his foster mother, Rosa Nobes, who was the only mother he ever knew. At the Fairbridge Board of Governors meeting in August 2004, the Board resolved to accept John Lane’s recommendation to name the cottage “Rosa Nobes”.

In reflecting on this thoughtful gesture, I turned to John’s autobiography “Fairbridge Kid”, a copy of which was presented to me by John during my earlier visit, to appreciate even more his strong connection with Rosa Nobes and the love and care she gave him during his early formative years.

Since September 2004, John Lane’s son, Michael, volunteers and the Ministry of Justice program have worked on the project each week with the support of many other people.

Today, almost three years after it was commenced and with Ronda’s loving support, we are all witnessing the realisation of John’s dream – a wonderful and emotional achievement.

“Rosa Nobes Cottage” will form part of the Fairbridge Heritage Courtyard along with one of the original Fairbridge Mandurah Holiday Camp Buildings. Guests will be able to tour both buildings and experience what life was like in the early days of Fairbridge from bedding and heating through to cooking.

I am pleased that there are plans for the cottage to be interpreted and it is hoped to have John’s recorded voice tell the story of life in the early days as people tour the cottage.

I think this project has been a great example of partnerships. It exemplifies what can be achieved when somebody has a vision and when people support that vision by creating something of meaning and value to the community.

I commend all those who have been involved in seeing this project come to such a wonderful conclusion. My particular thanks and congratulations to John for his dream, his vision in the first place, and, of course, to Ronda and son Michael for their strong support throughout.

I also would like to thank all those people who are consistent supporters of all that Fairbridge stands for and all that it does.

Now, it gives me very great pleasure, together with John Lane, to officially open the “Rosa Nobes Cottage” and wish Fairbridge Village continued success as it provides “a place where young people can grow – within themselves, within society and with the earth”.

Finally, Julie and I would also like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas with your family and friends and a safe and peaceful New Year.