Page 713 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 28 March 2006
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The carnival is not a fete but a community day—a day for families and friends to get together in the heart of their community to enjoy themselves. This is the initiative of the Charnwood primary and preschool and the St Thomas Aquinas primary school, supported by their principals, Peter Ross and John Bourke, and is jointly coordinated by Janette O’Sullivan and Michael Pilbrow.
Twenty community groups were involved, and numerous performers gave their time voluntarily. Three groups put in additional effort; that is, the Mount Rogers scouts who provided and erected many tents and marquees as well as providing free activities all afternoon; the Australian Breastfeeding Association, which set up a breastfeeding and change area; and the Christian Life Centre, which facilitated the use of the oval and its buildings for the multitude of activities that happened there. This was the first time that the organisers could offer indoor and outdoor activities.
Over 110 volunteers were well managed and coordinated by Sheryl Sahariv, and I thank each one of them for their volunteer time. But let us not forget the voluntary effort of all involved, including the hardworking, organising committee and FM 104.7 presenters, Virginia Lette and Troy Wade.
The carnival was also supported by several sponsors: Real Estate Matters, Capital Chemist, the Canberra Labor Club group, Highlander Carpentry and Agileware, who designed and maintained the carnival website. Jeans Coffee was also run by volunteers. All should be congratulated.
On Saturday night I attended and officiated at Navrang 2006 on behalf of the minister for multicultural affairs, Mr Hargreaves. This concert was organised to raise funds for the extension of work at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre. The centre is a place which promotes inclusiveness and where Indians and others can learn more about the teachings, philosophy and culture of Hinduism, as well as being a place where inter-religious harmony and mutual understanding and respect for religious views of others are fostered.
Reflecting on recent troubles in Australia and elsewhere, and reflecting on the success of the National Multicultural Festival and the clear message of Harmony Day, I congratulate Dr Rehka Kattera and her committee on the work of the centre and the wonderful evening of Indian music, dance, poetry and food. I congratulate all that were involved in that and wish them all well with the further establishment of work at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre.
Mr Tim James
Environment—recycling
Lanyon
MRS BURKE (Molonglo) (5.07): Mr Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to praise one of our young local musicians who I think will be familiar to many people around the town. His name is Tim James. Tim is a guy who was born with cerebral palsy and, as many of you may know, he has been around Canberra busking for about 12 years now. I have known Tim and watched him grow up. I watched him get married. I had the honour and pleasure last week of helping him promote himself and, more importantly the Spastic Centre of the ACT.
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