Page 1004 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 19 March 2013
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Such an opportunity as this, the Commonwealth selecting a site for its national city in almost virgin country, comes to few nations, and it comes but once in a history.
King O’Malley was right—the birth of a city and a national capital comes but once in history, but it is equally true that this day, our centennial day, also comes but once, and it is a great honour for all of us to play our part in this celebration.
A century is a significant milestone. A century as the national capital in a country that is just over two centuries old is particularly significant. My colleagues and I have attended many of the functions and ceremonies that have marked this momentous year, and I would like to take a moment to recognise and thank just some of those who have made such a significant contribution to this very special celebration: the Centenary of Canberra Patron, Sir William Deane; the staff of culture and communications in the Chief Minister’s office; the creative director, Robyn Archer; and all of the sponsors, the staff, the volunteers, the performers and the artists who have worked to make this a special celebration.
There is much to celebrate in our centenary year. The big yellow book that we have all received copies of titled One Big Year outlines many of the events that have already occurred or are occurring in our city in coming months, and in many ways it is a celebration of who we are as a people. There are events that celebrate our cultural diversity, made even richer by our friends from international embassies; events that celebrate our diverse cultural interests, with everything from symphonies to Summernats. Our sporting enthusiasms that are a big part of our way of life are being acknowledged. We had our first one-day international under lights, which was a great event. And the government even managed to highlight Canberrans’ passion for parking at the same event.
Many if not all of the events rely on volunteers in some way, and it is worth noting that when it comes to helping each other out by supporting local volunteer organisations, Canberrans are some of the most generous people in the world. From local sporting teams, charities, service clubs, emergency services, arts and crafts, meals on wheels, just about every endeavour, you will find a Canberran giving their time in the service of others.
Madam Acting Speaker, Canberra is unique. It was created in a unique way, built in a unique way, and continues to be an absolutely unique city to this day. The very nature of building a city from scratch, from the designs and plans of a singular team with a single vision, is unusual and extraordinarily bold. That is was so successfully carried out, even with the changes and the challenges that modern cityscaping brings, is a testament to those who built the city and a joy to those who live in it. We owe much to Walter Burley Griffin and his great plan for our city and to those who have implemented his plan.
Today, as we reflect on our centenary, we can look back to the successes of the past and use them to create a better future. And it gives us—all of us—the privilege of serving in this Assembly to make the great city of Canberra an even greater city for Australia. That is why the Canberra Liberals proudly support this motion.
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