Page 5386 - Week 14 - Thursday, 19 November 2009
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A couple of weeks ago Zed Seselja and I had the privilege of going out to one of the Runners Shop twilight orienteering events at Campbell Park. It was the first time for both of us, so we were not as proficient as the vast majority of the other competitors. I think we got to about half or so of the checkpoints, but managed to escape injury or needing to be rescued. It was a very enjoyable evening and we were grateful for the invitation. I understand 201 people participated in that twilight event, which is very close to being a record turnout.
The level of organisation on the day was extremely professional and their use of technology for scrutineering is very impressive. The five clubs that are members of Orienteering ACT are Abominable O-Men, Parawanga Orienteers, the Bushflyers, the Red Roos and the Weston Emus. I know the local orienteering community is excited about the Australian three-day event to be hosted here in Canberra in April next year. The event will be a great tourism event for Canberra and a wonderful opportunity for Canberrans to be exposed to orienteering. I urge all members to support the event in any way possible,
This Sunday, Orienteering ACT are holding their annual dinner from 5.30 pm at Hudsons in the Garden. It will be an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past year and recognise award winners. I hope they have a fantastic evening. Of course, without the skill and dedication of the board of directors, the officials and the other office holders, Orienteering ACT would not be able to do the outstanding job that they do. The board of directors includes Geoff Wood, Ann Scown, Pat Miethke, Mary McDonald, Rohan Hyslop, Allison Jones and Bob Allison. I congratulate Geoff, Bob and the rest of the team for all the work they do and wish them all the best for the future. I look forward to going out again, and hopefully finishing the course in the allocated time.
I would like to pay tribute to the Hon Michael Hodgman QC MP, Liberal member for Denison in the Tasmanian parliament. Today, Mr Hodgman announced he would not be recontesting his seat at the March 2010 election. Mr Hodgman first entered politics in 1966 as a member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council seat of Huon. He served in the upper house until 1974 and was elected as the federal member for Denison in 1975, a seat he held until 1987. In 1992, he was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly seat of Denison. In 1998, when the Assembly reduced in size from 35 to 25, Mr Hodgman lost his seat, but re-entered the Assembly in 2001.
The Liberal Party are doing well in the polls and he can take much personal pride in being part of the team, led by his son, which is in a strong position to win government next year. In his own electorate, the Liberals look like gaining a second seat.
Many in Canberra will have fond memories of Mr Hodgman when he served as Minister for the Capital Territory in the Fraser government. Today in parliament he said:
In 1980 I was fortunate enough to be appointed Minister for the Australian Capital Territory, and minister assisting the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
The Australian Capital Territory, of course, at that time had no self-government, so I was effectively local premier, mayor, local councillor and minister, all rolled into one.
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