Page 490 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 13 March 2007

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This is another of the repercussions of the government’s closure of so many schools across Canberra. Clearly, one of the things that it has not taken into account is the community groups that used the schools that are to be closed. Tuggeranong Valley Band will now have a tough time trying to find a new venue that it can afford so that it can continue rehearsing and so that it can continue to provide not just Tuggeranong but also all of Canberra with the wonderful music that it produces. There are also some difficulties with some of the intermediate band, but the band has decided to push on this year.

Numbers for the intermediate band are static but it wants to continue for at least another year so it can gauge what the community wants. But it cannot guarantee that it will continue beyond then. I think that is a shame as it has been around for many years now and it has provided Canberra and the valley with many concerts of a very high quality. I think it is a shame that ongoing community organisations like this that particularly challenge our young people but also provide opportunities for older Canberrans are at risk because of the government’s closure of schools.

That being said, congratulations to the new conductors, congratulations to the new president and I wish the band well in finding a replacement for Village Creek primary school. Perhaps Mr Hargreaves, the member responsible for Property ACT who is also the member for Tuggeranong, will be able to come to the assistance of the band and ensure that Tuggeranong Valley Band continues.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Assembly adjourned at 5.05 pm.

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