Page 107 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 10 February 2015
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Sylvie was also a mentor to many young Canberra artists. She supported people who were just starting in their artistic endeavours and often interviewed them on her program, then giving them a copy of the interview for them to take home as a memento and to learn from. Many of these artists, whether they were fine artists, actors, singers, musicians or jugglers, have gone on to forge bright artistic careers since.
I first met Sylvie when we were both judges at a talent quest in a bar in Civic one night, and I was instantly taken with her energy and her sense of fun. But today I would particularly like, as the Minister for TAMS, to bring to people’s attention something that Sylvie was less known for—that she was also a regular volunteer dog walker with TAMS’ Domestic Animal Services. Sylvie volunteered with DAS for over four years, walking dogs a number of times each week and working closely with other volunteers. Sylvie also played a key role in working to support other DAS volunteers. She was known at DAS as a special person who freely gave her time to help the dogs in care, regularly checking the water and food bowls, and giving extra cuddles.
Sylvie often extended herself, doing additional shifts and helping out where needed. She was a strong advocate of the dog walking program and took every opportunity to promote the program, as well as dogs for adoption, through her program at 2XX, through talking to members of the public and even through chatting to members of the Legislative Assembly. Her enthusiasm and warmth for the dogs was obvious to all, and I know that from my own conversations with her. She will certainly be missed by the staff and volunteers at DAS, and no doubt by their charges, the dogs themselves.
I would like to formally recognise the contribution that Sylvie made to the Canberra community, through the arts sector and of course as a volunteer at DAS, and to extend my condolences to her partner, friends and family. I have asked TAMS to look into how they might permanently acknowledge her contribution at the DAS facility, in recognition of her time and commitment to improving the lives of the dogs in their care.
Health—Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (5.50): Last November I was proud to launch “Beyond today—it’s up to you”. It is a community-based marketing campaign to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to give up smoking and to live a healthier lifestyle. The campaign builds on the work already undertaken under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tobacco control strategy 2010-14.
Health outcomes in the ACT for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are relatively good compared to other jurisdictions. However, there are still significant gaps in health and tobacco use when compared to non-Indigenous people. Almost 30 per cent of adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people currently smoke daily, about twice the rate of Canberrans generally.
The University of Canberra Smoke Ring preliminary survey results for 2013 report family and friends as key motivating factors to quit. People want to quit for various
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