Page 2533 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .


At the time, it was clear she was referring to Minister Corbell and Barr. Since then, the relationship, particularly with Mr Barr, has deteriorated significantly with the Greens openly questioning his decisions on planning and education. Mr Corbell, as Environment Minister, has said previously that he has a good relationship with the Greens; however, the source added that “All he does is steal Green initiatives and try to make them his own—it is pathetic.”

MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, even though it was in a quote and you were reading from an article, the word “arse” is still unparliamentary language.

Mr Smyth: Mr Speaker, I apologise.

Mr Corbell: No, you should withdraw.

MR SPEAKER: I would invite you actually to withdraw it, Mr Smyth.

Mr Smyth: I withdraw.

Anglicare winter pantry appeal

MR COE (Ginninderra) (6.52): I rise today to pay tribute to the great work done by the many volunteers of Anglicare Canberra and Goulburn during the 2009 Anglicare winter pantry appeal. Over 150 have assisted with this year’s appeal already and collected over 3,500 non-perishable food times. The appeal could not happen without the volunteers who devote many hours and days of their time to be at Anglicare stalls at shopping centres. The appeal was launched at a highly successful winter glisten function at the Pavilion Hotel, which raised money for the appeal and awareness of the appeal.

This year the appeal is more far-reaching than it has been in the past and visited five shopping centres: the Tuggeranong Hyperdome, Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden, the G Gungahlin, and Woolworths Yass. I was pleased to be able to help on a Sunday at the Westfield Belconnen Shopping Centre during May.

The items donated to the appeal will be distributed to those most in need in the diocese. St John’s Care, a welfare organisation that operates in Reid next to the Church of St John the Baptist, provides food as part of its service to those in the community who need help and support. Some of the food will also be provided to parishes throughout the diocese so that they too can provide this help and support.

St John’s Care runs a number of programs including patch a puzzle, volunteers who repair wooden puzzles and toys for preschools; the breakfast club, providing breakfast for children at Ainslie primary school; marriage education courses; and once-a-month community lunches.

The success of this appeal to date and the continuing work of St John’s Care epitomise the spirit of charity that is alive and well in the territory. Canberrans are aware that winter can be a very difficult time for those in our community in unfortunate circumstances, and very generously donate to charities to ensure that help can be provided for when it is needed most. Charities are close to the people who need


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .