Page 1262 - Week 04 - Thursday, 4 May 2006
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Adjournment
Outward Bound
MRS BURKE (Molonglo) (6.01): I would like to bring to the attention of members, some of whom may be already aware of it, the fact that Outward Bound Australia is celebrating 50 years of dedicated service and, in turn, leadership to young Australians through the delivery of adventurous experiences, personal development and life skills programs at various locations across the country.
Mr Speaker, we are very fortunate in many ways that Outward Bound has maintained and expanded upon its national headquarters in Canberra, with its major facility being located near Tharwa. One of my staff has brought to my attention the recent release of the book The first fifty years of Outward Bound Australia: Onward Bound, a significant piece of research conducted by Helen Klaebe. I would urge interested members to seek out a copy, for even a cursory reading of it will provide a fair insight into the wonderful work that this organisation has done for young people. To quote from the book, Outward Bound courses “are for each person a special journey, often a journey of great self-discovery”.
I hope that in the 50th year of operation of this organisation the ACT government will become more involved in facilitating or encouraging ACT government schools to place young people, wherever appropriate, on courses that undoubtedly would improve self-esteem and moral, emotional and intellectual strength and endurance. In turn, it is asserted by all involved that Outward Bound sees most who participate in courses go on to contribute productively in society. The programs of Outward Bound have naturally developed over time to adapt to the needs and expectations of today’s young people.
Recently, I corresponded with the previous education minister, Katy Gallagher, about the good work of Outward Bound and it is my hope that the new minister, Andrew Barr, will look favourably on the possibility of further involvement of government school students in Outward Bound programs. This wonderful organisation deserves greater public recognition for its capacity to make life changing and lasting impacts upon the lives of young people. I urge the new education minister to consider the merit of further government involvement in the delivery of Outward Bound programs to young Canberrans and I would welcome his approaches to me to discuss this outstanding Canberra-based organisation.
Mr Speaker, for those who are interested and who live in the Tuggeranong Valley, this evening the Tuggeranong Community Council will have its regular monthly meeting and Outward Bound, along with Men’s Link, will have guest speakers at that function tonight. Possibly, Mr Gentleman, Mr Smyth, Ms MacDonald and Mr Pratt will be in attendance. I will be there and certainly look forward to hearing more about Outward Bound in its 50th year. I wish them every success for the future.
Cirque du Soleil
MS PORTER (Ginninderra) (6.04): Earlier this afternoon I had the privilege of being present at the announcement that Cirque du Soleil will be coming to Canberra in March 2007 for the first time. When I was approached by Coralie Wood, a Canberra
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