Page 441 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 18 February 2020
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Hannah Andrevski was herself on maternity leave when she felt inspired to help needy families to obtain essential items like safety-checked car seats, cots, prams, clothing and toys. With no previous experience, Ms Andrevski recruited volunteers to assist her and successfully launched Roundabout Canberra, assisting more than 400 children within the first 12 months.
Finally, Natalie Malcolmson is a full-time carer of her husband, who experiences borderline personality disorder. Ms Malcolmson not only learnt all she could to help herself provide better care for her partner but then started BPD Awareness ACT to help provide community support to others in similar circumstances. What an example to all of us. (Extension of time granted.)
I share these specific examples to remind all of us that empowering women is more than just what we say in this place. We all have our roles to play in our communities, in our workplaces, in our families and in our personal lives. I am grateful for good organisations and inspired women who do so much to lift, serve and empower others. I hope that we will each contribute to this important work.
Florey community fair
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra) (4.05): A few months have passed, but this is one of the first opportunities I have had to update the Assembly on the success that was the inaugural Fabulous Florey Community Fair. It is in fact timely that I speak about the fair now, following our matter of public importance about volunteering, because this event highlighted the very best of what volunteers can do.
On 30 November Floreyans flocked together to showcase the best of what Florey has to offer at the Florey Primary School. The initiative was the brainchild of Florey Neighbourhood Watch, led by Sharon Leigh-Hazell and her very dedicated committee. The outside areas at Florey Primary School were a medley of community and government organisations, businesses and sporting groups sharing their knowledge, and the way in which they enhance the community, with the attendees.
The Filipino School of Language danced, the Young Music Society played and there was a stall highlighting activities and services for seniors. ACT Fire and Rescue, ACT Policing and Kenny Koala were on hand, and I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of getting a photo with Kenny. Vehicles from the Holden Rally Car to the DeLorean delighted, and Wonder Woman, who some of you may recognise by her alter ego, Brooke, made an appearance. There were the Lil Street Libraries, UnitingCare Kippax, the Men’s Shed, Belconnen Community Council, the Hindu temple, the Smith Family, Belconnen Community Service; the list goes on.
I was very happy to lend a hand, where I am often seen, serving sausages at the barbecue to help raise money for Neighbourhood Watch’s endeavours. From my vantage point, it was obvious to see the generosity of spirit in the community and how much people enjoyed coming together and perhaps learning something new. I think the highlight for many of us on the day was an elderly gentleman who had nominated to sing Christmas carols, and he did so with gusto, attracting quite a crowd.
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