Page 4820 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
I understand that it has been customary over the years that the multicultural minister of the day says a few words at the AGM. In Minister Burch’s absence, I was given the opportunity, as shadow multicultural minister, to say a few words. I would like to reiterate that—
Ms Burch: If you could share them with me, Steve?
MR DOSZPOT: Thank you. I wish you would give me some citizenships as well, thank you. We will talk about that later. I would like to reiterate what I said on the night. I think Mr Andriopoulos and his board deserve our thanks for the work that they do.
I would like to mention that the board is comprised of a number of very long-serving individuals. One of them did not renominate this time. Raewyn Bastion did not renominate. Jim Andriopoulos paid tribute on the night to the work that Raewyn has contributed over the years. I would also like to second that sentiment. I think she has been a great contributor and I think she will be sorely missed. I am sure that she will still play a part in MARSS activities.
Other members of the board of management are John Owusu, Nim Osborne, Adrian Arulanandam, David Ng, Frank Pangallo and Simon Ng. I would also like to congratulate Mr Adrian Arulanandam for being elected to the position of deputy chair of Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services.
On 26 September, I attended another AGM. This time it was the AGM of Sailability. On a beautiful sunny Canberra Sunday morning, the AGM saw the re-election of most of the board, with a new vice-chairman and a new committee member also joining the board. I would like to congratulate the chairperson, Mr Peter Brown, and his committee for their contributions to a very positive 2009-2010. The committee of management includes Mr Peter Brown, Mr Gerard Meli, Ms Gerda Lambeck, Mr Bob Woodman, Ms Stephanie Brown, Mr Steven Lomasney and Ms Bronwyn Ibbotson.
I would also like to quote from the AGM document that was put out. It talks about the vision of Sailability. The vision is:
To Provide people of the greater Canberra region, access to the experience of the joy of sailing in safety, regardless of ability, and to further our aspirations to provide members and visitors with the feeling of; ‘Freedom on the water regardless of ability’
I was also very much taken with a brief poem, which was very heartfelt, from the person who wrote it, who is wheelchair bound, and I would like to finish my adjournment speech tonight about Sailability with this brief poem:
When I sit in a sailboat I’m no longer wheelchair bound. I use my
knowledge and skill to deflect the wind to propel me where I want to go.
There is a rhythm to the wind and waves that stays with me for hours
after I return my boat to its berth and my body to the wheelchair.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video