Page 2099 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 15 May 2013
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helps promote or maintain positive self-esteem and body image. When we think that physical inactivity is ranked closely with cigarette smoking as a cause for ill health, we could also imagine the economic impact on our health systems.
For all these reasons, the ACT government is aware of the importance of encouraging a healthy lifestyle and investing in sporting facilities. And ACT Little Athletics is a recipient of the 2013 sports and recreation grants program. Thank you, minister.
St Vincent de Paul
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (6.41): I rise tonight to congratulate the great work of St Vincent de Paul and their efforts at Blue Door at the Ainslie Village. Blue Door has been an integral part of the Ainslie Village in Canberra since 1983. Ainslie Village, as you might be aware, is located in the Canberra suburb of Campbell and is a large community housing site providing accommodation to approximately 200 people living on very low incomes.
Blue Door is a drop-in centre that provides support such as free and nutritious breakfast, lunch, haircuts, clothing and furniture vouchers, as well as information, advice, advocacy and referrals. These services are delivered in a non-confrontational way and setting, ensuring that Blue Door is a non-threatening, safe and secure place for Ainslie Village and other guests to access these services. They also relax there and socialise.
Blue Door has over 2,000 drop-ins each month. Clients of the service usually have some mental health issues, including drug and alcohol issues, and that is alongside their family and social issues. The smiling faces of the two full-time workers and their supporting volunteers who are more than happy to sit and have a chat with people who pop in are something to see. They also hold Alcoholics Anonymous services, church services, and have a volunteer tailor to come in and mend clothes for some of the drop-ins. The food there is donated by the Yellow Van.
In conclusion, I think it is a fantastic program by St Vincent de Paul, and I would urge all members to go and see the great work they do in that area of social justice. Can I acknowledge Paul Potter and his great team, Shannon and Frank Brasson for helping me out on the visit, the Yellow Van for all the food they supply and the effort they put in, and of course St Vincent de Paul.
Walk Safely to School Day
MS BERRY (Ginninderra) (6.43): Before I begin, I would like to say it is refreshing and nice to see Mr Doszpot paying tribute to such a committed ALP supporter and good trade union man as Alex Ferguson. It is always refreshing to hear that from the other side of the chamber.
I rise tonight to talk about the upcoming national Walk Safely to School Day. On Friday next week I will be leading a Macgregor Primary School Walk Safely to School Day walking group. Walk Safely to School Day is a great initiative that shows
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