Page 4904 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 11 November 2009

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Tony Holland is the CEO of Arthritis ACT, and he was one of the co-hosts at the event on 20 October. Tony is doing a great job running the organisation and is professionalising the organisation very quickly. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the organisation’s website, which is very professional and presents a very modern image of Arthritis ACT.

The level of awareness about osteoporosis is still very low, so it is important that we try to raise awareness at a local level. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that results in bone weakness and increased risk of fracture. Fractures are a major cause of suffering, disability and, unfortunately, even death, especially in our elderly population.

This disease can be prevented by lifestyle changes and/or medication. Exercises and a focus on preventing falls are a key component of the prevention of osteoporosis, along with medications that help strengthen the bone. We had a presentation by physiotherapist Mr Bjarne Kragh, who spoke to us about osteoporosis and provided us with a practical demonstration of exercises for osteoporosis. I thank him for his donation of time towards Arthritis ACT.

Recently I was also pleased to attend the Arthritis ACT wine tasting. The tasting was presented by John Fitzgerald, who is a former president of the Canberra Wine Society. The tasting featured wines of the Canberra region. It was good to see so many in the local community come to support Arthritis ACT in their fundraising efforts. Fundraising events are not easy to organise, and I commend Tony Holland and all those involved for such a well-organised and successful event.

I look forward to working with Arthritis ACT in the future to ensure that its good work can continue.

All Saints Anglican church

Remembrance Day

MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (6.44): I would like to mention a couple of events. One was the All Saints Anglican church 50-year celebrations, which I had the pleasure of attending on 1 November this year. There has been a wonderful contribution to our community from All Saints Anglican church over those 50 years. Like so many other church communities around the ACT, All Saints Anglican has contributed in many ways—not just in the spiritual development of those who attend the parish, but, like most church organisations, in outreach into the community, in doing charitable works. All Saints Anglican has been a major contributor to the fabric of the ACT and a major contributor to the growth of Canberra.

It was a very enjoyable mass, and afterwards I felt very welcome when talking to a number of the parishioners. I would like to make mention of the celebrant, the Right Reverend Allan Ewing; the acting rector, Reverend Dr Colin Dundon; the All Saints choir; the music director, Matthew Stuckings; and the organist, Les Davey.

It was, as I say, a wonderful celebration of 50 years. I particularly pay tribute to the All Saints Anglican church in Ainslie for their contribution to our community over the


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