Page 1488 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 28 March 2012
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Michael Pilbrow, who was there as the MC. Also I would like to mention the two school principals, Frank Dowling from Charnwood-Dunlop and John Bourke from St Thomas Aquinas, who really get behind the “Charny Carny” every year.
I was there judging the junior fashion parade in which children were challenged to use second-hand or, as we now call them, pre-loved clothes to come up with their imaginative outfits. And it was very hard to judge that but I managed to give a few of the children “highly commended” so that not all of them were totally disappointed in not coming first, second or third. And then afterwards we had the talent show. I am not sure, Mr Coe, but did you have a role in that as well? I know that you were there later but I was not quite sure that you were part of the talent show, maybe? That was a great day and very well attended. Congratulations to all. And I think the point should also be made that the people behind the “Charny Carny” are not just a one-day-a-year team; they do amazing community work throughout the year. I thank them all for that.
I went the other day to the St Francis Xavier college for the opening of the trade training centre by Dr Leigh and the blessing by Archbishop Coleridge. I congratulate all those involved, including the principal, Mr Tulley, all the staff, the students, the board and the parents and friends, the architects and builders. It is a magnificent centre and I am sure all the students there will appreciate it as years go by. And certainly the students that I talked to there on the day were very excited about that centre.
On Sunday I attended the open day at the Canberra Mosque, as I do every year if it is at all possible. I think this open day is a good opportunity to dispel myths in the community and for people to learn more about the mosque and the beliefs and way of life of the Muslim community, including its contribution to the wider community.
This visit was followed by my laying a wreath for the Greek Orthodox community at the Anzac Parade Hellenic Memorial on the occasion of the Greek National Day on 25 March and then going to the Hellenic Club to enjoy a meal with the Greek Orthodox community there at the club and with the board and other representatives of the Hellenic Club. It was a very good day indeed and lovely to celebrate with the Greek community on that particular day.
Ms Suzy Batkovic
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (6.38): I would like to briefly pay tribute to Adelaide Lightning and Australian Opals star Suzy Batkovic, who was named the 2012 Women’s National Basketball League most valuable player this week at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne. Suzy Batkovic is a Croatian Australian but she also has a reasonably strong Canberra link, having played with the Canberra Capitals in the 2010-11 season and also having been here at the Australian Institute of Sport when she played as part of that program. Suzy Batkovic also has strong family links here in Canberra, with her brother Robert living in the region.
It is wonderful that someone with these close links to Canberra has been recognised in this way. Suzy’s time at the Capitals was interrupted by injury, which was unfortunate, but she has gone on to great success with Adelaide Lightning. The 192-centimetre
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