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community thousands and thousands of dollars. Policing our community has been greatly aided by the success of the country cop program pioneered in Kaleen by Constable Dave Rugendyke under former police chief Peter Dawson. Known throughout Kaleen and Belconnen as Uncle Dave, Constable Rugendyke has brought a new dimension to community policing, working with juveniles and young offenders, the elderly, the underprivileged and the socially disadvantaged, and lowering the incidence of petty crime and vandalism in our area. Therefore, I will be pressing for the expansion of the country cop success throughout the Belconnen area as budget requirements allow.

Rotary's trash and treasure market at Jamison, now in its twenty-first year, has raised in excess of $2.4m. Having been involved from its inception, I will continue to support this very commendable community fundraising effort. Under our Government, their future is secure. Community facilities such as the Kippax and Melba health centres and the Kippax library will also continue to receive my full support. In fact, I was involved in establishing the library at Kippax, so I fully understand its importance to our local community. Mr Speaker, the Belconnen bus interchange has long been an eyesore. This concrete jungle should be more accessible to the public. I believe that serious consideration should be given to relocating bus facilities nearer to the Belconnen Mall, with footpath-style access similar in design to the Civic interchange. I shall be pressing for a feasibility study into a more effective, user-friendly bus interchange for the citizens of Belconnen.

Mr Speaker, better facilities for the aged are, I believe, a priority for our Government. With an ageing population, we need to address their growing needs. As an example, I have been discussing with the Minister arrangements for an illuminated pedestrian crossing for the residents of the Kalparrin Aged Hostel at Kippax. On more than one occasion residents have taken their lives in their hands while crossing busy Hardwick Crescent on their way to the Kippax shops and other facilities such as the medical centre. This is a much needed facility to improve their safety and peace of mind.

To conclude, Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the people of my Ginninderra electorate and, in particular, the dedicated team of campaign volunteers who worked tirelessly over the 12 months before the election to help me and my colleague Mr Bill Stefaniak to be here with you today. My door will always be open to all the people of this community to express their concerns about any issue, particularly from my Ginninderra electorate. I cannot finish without expressing my sincere thanks to my family, who gave me their total support and understanding throughout the many years since I left the former House of Assembly in 1986.

Sitting suspended from 4.59 to 8.00 pm

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