Page 2032 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 6 May 2009

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MR DOSZPOT: I move:

Omit paragraph 2(b), substitute:

“(2) (b) the Minister for Disability and Housing and the Minister for Health to report to Steve Doszpot MLA and Amanda Bresnan MLA within seven days on the actions the ACT Government is taking to find appropriate support for the individual who has been a dischargeable patient in Ward 12B at The Canberra Hospital since July 2007, so that she can be discharged from hospital.”.

Debate (on motion by Mr Hargreaves) adjourned to the next sitting.

Adjournment

Motion by Mr Hargreaves proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Canberra Services Club

MR COE (Ginninderra) (5.46): On Thursday, 16 April 2009 I had the great pleasure of attending the dedication of the Lady Gowrie hall at the Canberra Services Club in Manuka. Following the outbreak of World War II, an association was formed in Canberra to support service personnel. What was to become known as the Canberra Services Welfare Association proposed that a “rest hut” be constructed for the use of people in the forces.

Lady Zara Gowrie, the wife of Australia’s 10th and longest serving Governor-General, Lord Gowrie, played an active role in raising funds for the construction of the hut. She hosted a garden fair at Government House in which some £3,500 was raised. This garden fair included a raffle to which she generously donated some of her personal belongings. In the end £7,000 was raised, and on 13 March 1941 the Lady Gowrie Services Club opened. The club provided a place for rest and relaxation, served meals and was a venue for many social occasions. The club’s invitation was eventually extended to anyone in uniform, including United States personnel and those from other commonwealth countries.

Lady Gowrie knew something of the sacrifice those in the military give in service of their country. Her husband, Lord Gowrie, joined the British Army in 1898 and had a long and distinguished army career. He served in the Sudan campaign and in India. During World War I he served in France and Gallipoli, and later in Germany, where he commanded forces. Amongst his decorations are the Victoria Cross for bravery in saving the life of an Egyptian officer, his distinguished service order and bar and numerous mentions in dispatches.

Lady Gowrie was president of the club until 1944, just before the end of Lord Gowrie’s commission and their return to the United Kingdom.

The modern-day Canberra Services Club still provides services to those who serve and have served, including the serving community, veterans community and


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