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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 4 Hansard (30 March) . . Page.. 1143 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

an estimated 80,000 people in attendance, and the balloon fiesta, drawing 45,000 people, were also spectacular events. The Glebe Park week attracted some 42,000 visitors. Collectively, over its 16 days, the festival attracted an audience of some 360,000 people to all events. Arguably, the major arts events of the festival was Mahler's Symphony of 1,000 Voices, enthralling the thousands who weathered a rainy evening for the festival's finale.

The contribution that the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation has made towards the events certainly has made it a success and CTEC is deserving of special mention. In addition to the overall financial management and assistance in sourcing sponsorship, the corporation was able to provide its marketing and public relations expertise to obtain optimum media coverage for the event, with impressive results in terms of inquiries from prospective visitors to the festival. Mr Speaker, it is good to see that interstate interest in the festival continues to increase.

The media coverage included building the festival into a central theme tour, which brought several international journalists to Canberra. In addition, the festival was promoted in national television programs, particularly by SBS, and in a range of metropolitan and multicultural media. The net value of the entire public relations activity is still in the process of being compiled, but we believe that it will be substantial.

It is pleasing to report the high degree of support that the Canberra National Multicultural Festival has had from all elements of the Canberra community. Our diplomatic community, which is a keen supporter of the event, was impressed with the level of support and interest that international performers received. Through the Canberra National Multicultural Festival, we have been able to build upon the richness and strengths of many cultures to create a city of which we can justifiably be proud.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Domenic Mico and his staff for their unwavering commitment and skill in ensuring that the 2000 festival was unique in its artistic and cultural content while retaining its overall appeal to the wider community. The Canberra National Multicultural Festival is a prime example of our recognition that Australia is and will remain a culturally diverse country. We have to aim at ensuring that this diversity is a positive and unifying force in our society. Mr Speaker, I believe that the Canberra National Multicultural Festival is a very important part of making sure that multiculturalism is seen as a positive part of our community. I present the following paper:

I move:

Debate (on motion by Mr Wood ) adjourned.

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