Page 1037 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
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While I am on the topic of looking after the environment, I would also like to take the opportunity to update the Assembly on a very successful clean-up that took place at the Bonner pond over the weekend. I was joined by Yerrabi locals in spending most of Saturday morning collecting rubbish around Bonner pond. At the end of the clean-up we had bags and bags of trash and the area was looking much more friendly and clean. We were able to facilitate this event through the Clean Up Australia website, which provided us with equipment such as bags and gloves. In fact I encourage everyone here today to consider hosting a similar event in their own electorate.
Clean Up Australia Day is one day of the year, but the job of cleaning up our natural environment will always be an ongoing effort. Whether it is government projects or community events and initiatives, Yerrabi is always full of excitement. Indeed I am happy to report that in February I attended the opening ceremony of the Mini Cricket World Cup at Bonner Oval. There are 16 teams competing in the mini world cup, with players representing countries from all over the world.
In other local sports news, I am excited for the Gungahlin Jets 2019 season launch this week. I am also hoping I will not get too carried away this year during the players auction. Yerrabi is a very attractive community with lots of young rising talent, so I would like to take a moment to congratulate the athletes and their families on their enthusiasm and commitment.
I would also like to note the fantastic work of the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT, particularly at their recent International Women’s Day morning tea. It was a pleasure to attend the morning tea and celebrate the amazing multicultural women who contribute so much to the Canberra region.
I would also like to take the opportunity this evening to provide the Assembly and my constituents with an update on the Giralang shops. I understand that due to negotiations with a supermarket operator, a building approval has not yet been submitted by the developer. The developer has informed me that there is plenty of interest from health services, pharmacies, coffee shops and small professional service operators. However, they cannot commit until the much-desired supermarket operator is secured. I continue to follow the progress of these negotiations and I hope to provide a more comprehensive update for the Giralang community in the coming months.
The last thing I would like to note is that on Monday night, I, along with Minister Ramsay and Minister Steel, visited the Gungahlin Mosque. We have discussed quite a bit the terrorist attacks in Christchurch and the impact they have had on our local Muslim community. Members of the Gungahlin Mosque that we spoke to were very touched by the outpouring from the community and the level of support that they have received. I hope that we all go forward with respect and love for one another.
Mental health—question, persuade, refer training
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong—Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Minister for Corrections and Justice Health, Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs
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