Page 1324 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 11 April 2018

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Quite literally, the fete had something for everyone. Activities included a mascot race, a fencing demonstration, a goal-kicking competition and more. Hungry attendees could choose from amongst curry, egg and bacon rolls, ice cream spiders and chocolate, just to name a few options. Rides were also available for children. Other stalls catered to mums and dads. The atmosphere was enhanced by a variety of performers.

The coordinators had secured the generous support of several dozen sponsors. These local businesses donated gift vouchers, food to be sold and services to be raffled off and won, amongst others. I wish I could personally thank each of these sponsoring businesses by name, but there were simply too many of them, as there were more than 50.

I spent most of my time at the fete volunteering at the craft stall, and this was great fun. I especially found it delightful to see children being responsible with their pocket money, carefully purchasing goods that they loved. Leading up to the fete the school had held crafts nights for parents, children and other community members to make the goods to be sold. I want to extend my thanks to these mums and dads and other supporters from the community, including those who helped do letterbox drops around the area to spread the word.

In short, the Hawker school autumn fete was a perfect example of what can happen when passionate leaders and volunteers help to bring a community together in a common cause. The P&C worked together with the school to help improve educational facilities where they are needed most. In recent years this has included creating outdoor learning spaces and major playground initiatives. I am glad the Hawker school and its associated P&C will be able to use the funds generated this year to continue to support the education and wellbeing of its lucky primary school students.

Again, I wish to express my gratitude to all those who contributed in any way, including by attending.

Girls take over parliament

Forbes Asia 30 under 30

MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra) (6.15): Madam Speaker, you may remember that in October last year a few members in this chamber had the privilege of stepping aside to let a girl, or a young woman, take over their office for the day. It was part of the global “GirlsTakeover” initiative to celebrate International Day of the Girl. Worldwide more than 600 women took over positions of leadership across 60 organisations.

Girls take over parliament was a local spin-off that placed 17 young women in the roles of members of parliament around Australia. The two women responsible for pioneering the program locally were Ashleigh Streeter and Caitlin Figueiredo. If those names sound familiar it is because we speak about them quite a bit in this place. As you might recall, they were named the 2018 ACT Woman of the Year and Young Woman of the Year respectively.


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