Page 803 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 March 2005
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That actually went to Beryl Women’s Refuge. It is indeed their 30th birthday as well. So it was particularly poignant that they would win an award.
I think, whilst it is a time to remember women around the world who are still fighting for the elimination of discrimination through gender equity and who are working for peace, human rights and improved living conditions of all women, we must ensure that we keep the majority of our focus locally and not globally. People may disagree with that. We do talk about keeping global and looking local, or something. I forget the exact words. But I think what we have to get into perspective in this place and in this Assembly is that there is a federal parliament that exists to ensure that such matters are given the prominence and profile they need and deserve. It is great that we know that we have those systems and levels of government in Australia where we can really drill it home and look at our own backyard.
So for our part in this place, Mr Speaker, we must remember that the people of Canberra elected each one of us seated here to represent them at a local level. That is, I guess, where I really would like to focus more today in the words that I want to bring forward.
We need to ensure that, as a local government, we are meeting the needs of our community at a local level. I think we would all agree we cannot save the world in this place, but we can go a long way towards making the lives of everyday Canberrans better, particularly women.
It was a pleasure to be present at the International Women’s Day awards last evening, as I have said. I would just like, at this point, as a quick aside, to congratulate Ms MacDonald. She had to step in at the last minute. I was sad that the minister, Katy Gallagher, was unable to be there but I understand that she had to attend to family business. I hope all is well there. I heartily congratulate the winners also and I do wish them every success for an even more successful future. It was a fantastic night. I would also like to applaud the efforts of the young people from the Warehouse Circus. They were amazing, being able to twirl a hoop like that—Mr Gentleman, wouldn’t you agree?
I want to go back to Beryl’s Women’s Refuge: no-one in this place who knows the women and the work they do there would doubt for one moment the critical and excellent role and service they provide in our community. It is always very difficult to pick out anyone in particular, and that is why I probably picked out a group of women. They do a fantastic job.
I have just a few notes on them here. They have been established for 30 years. They estimate that more than 3,500 women and their children have been assisted by Beryl to regain a normal life during times of crisis. The refuge has not only provided accommodation to women and their children escaping domestic and family violence over the years but has greatly enhanced the quality of life of women by providing practical assistance in the form of court support, education, healthcare and other assistance for women. Beryl’s work is clearly evident in the difference they have made in the community, providing women and children opportunities to increase knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their lives free of violence. I thank Minister Gallagher and her media officer for that quotation.
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