Page 1015 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 15 March 2005
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this city for the past 50 years. The Canberra gold awards recognised the 1,000-plus qualifying recipients, as a way of thanking these residents for their long-term commitment and contribution to the Canberra community. Canberra’s social plan, launched by the Stanhope Labor government in 2004, noted the importance of recognising this special group of residents.
Just 50 years ago, Canberra’s population numbered only 30,000 people. In June 2003 an estimated 322,850 people lived in the ACT. As we continue to watch this city grow and develop in the future, it is important that we celebrate the contribution these Canberran pioneers played in years past and remember that the Canberra we know today was built by people who came from all over the nation and, indeed, from all over the world. This special occasion was also marked by the cutting of a gigantic birthday cake with the impressive measurements of 91 centimetres by 45 centimetres. I was lucky enough to have a slice of the cake, which was made by Annie’s Cakes, and can report that it tasted pretty good.
One of the things that struck me on the day was the general feeling of excitement and wellbeing. Everyone was there to have a good time and celebrate Canberra’s milestone as a community. The recipients of the Canberra gold award were thrilled to be recognised as long-time residents. Many stopped to tell me about when they first came to Canberra, or that they were second generation Canberrans. In fact, one lady pointed either to her grandson or her great-grandson—I was not sure—and said, “He’s eighth generation in this area.” I find that amazing, I have to say. The gold awards are a wonderful way for long-time residents to meet other long-time residents and share their experiences with the community. As somebody who has just celebrated her 10th year in this area, I have to say I look forward to the day when I can receive my Canberra gold award in 40 years time!
Celebrate in the Park brought together the culinary, artistic, social, musical and cultural diversity of Canberra. It featured the best culinary variety Canberra has to offer, with Canberra restaurants and wineries providing food galore for all. There was a fantastic array of food available, from Asian dishes to smoked meats and Italian cuisine and, of course, plenty of Australian fare. This was complemented with sounds from some of Canberra’s and Australia’s top live bands, including the Whitlams and Killing Heidi. These bands and other local talents, such as local Australian idol, Hayley Jensen, Zooster, Los Capitanes and the Diane Mason Band, attracted thousands of people. In fact, I know the Chief Minister enjoyed Killing Heidi very much.
The children’s stage was also an extremely popular area, with an estimated 7,000 children and their parents packing the lawns to see performances by George from Playschool—who I am quite sure would have given Killing Heidi a run for their money—Active Kidz, Humphrey B Bear and Canberra’s top magician, Tricky Nick. The spectacular fireworks display over the lake was a fitting way to end the day.
The celebrations have not finished. Over the next seven days there are many upcoming attractions that offer fun and excitement to all Canberrans, young and old. I look forward to the Lunar Festival, which will light up Tuggeranong this Saturday. It will provide for children and adults alike to watch and interact with Samoan and Croatian dancers and listen to Latin music. There will also be South American puppetry and lantern workshops.
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