Page 5753 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 6 December 2011
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The club has a very busy weekly and periodic calendar of events such as bowls, table tennis, dancing, coach trips, excursions around Canberra and many other activities. The club recently held an OAM day which saw no less than seven of its members turn up with their medals, each with a fascinating story to tell.
The club has been very effective in applying for grants through different programs. Recent investments have included upgrading the kitchen and toilet block, and a new floating floor, which I am advised is one of the best dance floors in Canberra. The club is seeking to invest in an automatic front door, amongst other projects. However, it is worth noting that the club operates on a very small budget. It is through the sheer dedication of the committee and other members that the club operates so successfully.
Community groups like the Belconnen senior citizens club do what no amount of money can ever achieve. Money cannot buy commitment, community spirit and a supportive, sociable environment. Whilst money can help with the bricks and mortar, it cannot buy the dedication of the volunteers.
I would like to make mention of the members of the committee who are responsible for the club’s operation. They are Mal Grimley, Marg Grimley, Jocelyn Duggan, Edgar Crosby, Noleen Simmons, Betty Hardy, Robert Rough, Audrey Rough, Mike Newton, Gloria Bartelos, Gloria Maher and Fulvio Paliaga. Other committee members include Norma Dewick and Helen Savage. I commend and thank them for their service.
I encourage all Canberrans interested in finding about more about the club to visit them on Chandler Street or call 6251 6354. (Time expired.)
Australian Mathematics Trust—awards
Kumon awards
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (5.14): I had the pleasure recently of attending the Australian Mathematics Trust annual awards presentation along with my wife and son. The Australian Mathematics Trust is a not-for-profit organisation under the trusteeship of the University of Canberra. It administers mathematics and informatics enrichment activities for Australian and international students and publishes books on mathematical enrichment.
We were welcomed by Professor Peter Taylor, Executive Director of the Australian Mathematics Trust, and we were treated to a wonderful speech from Professor Michael Barnsley from the Mathematical Sciences Institute, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Australian National University. Professor Barnsley spoke about how when he was at his home in England at the age of 12, he had an exam and was declared to be the thickest boy in his village. He then had the opportunity to re-sit the exam and they confirmed, in fact, that he was the thickest boy in the village. Of course, he went on to be a professor who has had amazing success. So it was a wonderful, inspirational thing for the kids to see that no matter what your circumstances, you can achieve if you really want to.
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