Page 3867 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 27 August 2008
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the BMSC president, John Stilling, of presenting Mrs Shiela Lynch, from the ACT Leukaemia Foundation, with the cheque. Mrs Lynch then addressed the audience and informed all of us of just how important this money is to families in the ACT and surrounding New South Wales who suffer as a result of the terrible disease of leukaemia.
For the information of members, I retrieved these statistics from the Leukaemia Foundation website. In 2007, around 2,936 people in Australia, including 250 children from nought to 14 years, were expected to be diagnosed with leukaemia. In most cases, the cause of leukaemia remains unknown, but there are likely to be a number of factors involved. It is important that we all encourage fundraising to help development and research in the area.
I take this opportunity to congratulate Cheryl Holberton and all in the Brindabella Motor Sport Club for their generosity. I am looking forward to next year’s Christmas in July raising more support for the needy in our community.
Step into the Limelight
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Planning, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Minister for Industrial Relations) (10:56): Just across the square from us here tonight, at the Canberra Theatre, a sell-out crowd has had the great pleasure of witnessing the 2008 Step into the Limelight gala performance. This event is in its second year and I am very pleased to advise the Assembly that its growth has been extraordinary. This year we have seen around 1,000 students participating. Students from across the ACT’s public school system have demonstrated their excellence in the arts.
The organisation of an event like Step into the Limelight is not an easy feat. It has been pulled together by an amazing group of people. I take the opportunity to bring to the Assembly’s attention and recognise the contribution and commitment of the 2008 steering committee and their commitment to Step into the Limelight. The committee is headed by Wayne Chandler, Director, Schools, Northern Canberra; Mr Craig Edwards from Lake Ginninderra College is the production manager; Lynne Petersen is the artistic adviser; Christopher Allen is the stage manager; Nadia Blackley is the music director; Derek Bruce is responsible for digital media production; Maria Gibson and Hiria Reppion are responsible for the drama and dance components; Bob Jankowski is responsible for visual arts; and Kathryn Chapman and Nance O’Brien are responsible for administrative support.
This steering committee would have had nothing to present without the very strong support of their colleagues in schools—teachers who are inspiring their students every day. We have seen—and I got to witness the first act tonight—an outstanding level of participation and commitment from all of the students who have made the Step into the Limelight gala event such a great success. Their many hours of rehearsing have certainly paid off.
I would also like to acknowledge the support of the major sponsors for the event: Active Leisure Centre; Creative Safety Initiatives; and the Teachers Credit Union. There is no doubt that the ACT government strongly values the partnerships with
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