Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001-2002 Week 1 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 34 ..

MRS DUNNE (continuing):

These were intrepid people, like Tennyson's Ulysses, fired with an heroic and questing spirit, determined "to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield". Destitute at the time of Italian unification, and unwaveringly inspired to seek a better life, they walked from Treviso, in the northern Veneto, all the way to Barcelona, to set sail for the South Seas. But their adventure went tragically wrong. Their settlement in New Ireland turned out to be a place of chaos, hunger and disease. They fled to Noumea, from where Henry Parkes brought them to Sydney and finally to New Italy. Their arrival was the final chapter in what has been known as "the ill-fated Marquis de Rae expedition", and it opened a new chapter in the history of the northern rivers of New South Wales.

The new arrivals raised cattle and felled timber, like their neighbours; but, unlike them, they also made wine, and prize-winning silk. They fitted into their new country, answering the call and sending their sons to theatres of war. Their descendants have been farmers and war heroes, stock and station agents, teachers and tick inspectors, doctors, journalists and politicians. One of that intrepid band was my great grandfather, Michael Scarrabelotti.

Growing up, I was always fiercely proud of the New Italy settlers, of their journey and their role in our community. It was always something special, a little different-and a distinction that wasn't easy to forget with a name like Scarrabelotti!

From these people, and from their example, I have drawn many things:

• a respect for tradition, coupled with the recognition that on occasions circumstances may necessitate decisive, radical action;

• an understanding of the importance of order in society and the knowledge that governments are not the source of all wisdom;

• a belief in the value of hard work, balanced with an awareness of the importance of celebrating its rewards;

• an affinity with the land, and the deep respect that comes with the knowledge that we pass it on as a legacy to our children;

• a commitment to the importance of families, but not to the exclusion of engagement with, and service to, the wider Australian community;

• a sense of duty to make society the best we can; and

• a religion that teaches that we build in this world no abiding city, and that perfection is not attainable in this life.

I belong to an Australian Catholic tradition which is uncomfortable speaking publicly about religion: it feels a bit too much like the hypocrites praying on street corners. Yet I have to acknowledge my faith as the source-though not the only possible source-of the values I bring with me. The journey that has brought me to this place has been strongly influenced by the history and tenacity of these people and their descendants.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .