Page 4639 - Week 12 - Thursday, 15 October 2009
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As Minister for Ageing, he was passionate around making sure that those ageing in our community aged in a safe and inclusive framework.
It behoves us to recognise John as the man of passion and compassion that he is. I know that John will continue to be a fantastic advocate for the broader community of Canberra, and most particularly for that of Brindabella.
Save the Children—Canberra Council
MR COE (Ginninderra) (6.13): Since being elected, I have been fortunate to witness many community groups that are punching well above their weight in supporting those less fortunate here in Canberra and further afield. One such organisation which is going from strength to strength is the Canberra Council of Save the Children.
Save the Children has been a leading campaigner for the promotion of the rights of children since 1919. Today, the organisation serves in more than 100 countries in the areas of health, education and protection. The website of Save the Children Australia states that the organisation:
… manages and implements programs in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. We also support development programs through our global network in selected countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The vision of the organisation is for a world which respects and values each child, a world which listens to children and learns, a world where all children have hope and opportunity. Canberrans are encouraged to get involved in their fundraising and awareness campaigns. Interested people should visit www.savethechildren.org.au or call 1800 760 011.
Like all community groups, it is the commitment and enthusiasm of volunteers which makes their great results possible. Here in the ACT, the organisation is served extremely well by a capable and dedicated council led by Lynn Reeder. Supporting her are Celia Acworth, Gary Beck, Ian Meikle, Judy Morris, Jo O’Sullivan, Alan Scandrett and Ruth Tannahill.
Earlier this year, the Canberra Council of Save the Children hosted a golf day and charity auction dinner at Goolabri, north of Canberra. I was pleased to participate in the fundraiser and both the golf day and the dinner and auction which followed were a great success.
A couple of weeks ago, on 30 September, the organisation hosted the Inaugural Rights of the Child lecture at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. In conjunction with the Australian Catholic University, the organisation was very fortunate to have Raimond Gaita deliver the lecture. Professor Gaita is a very well regarded philosopher and author of Romulus, My Father. His lecture was fascinating and I think it motivated many people to go out and purchase his book.
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