Page 871 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 18 March 2015
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institutionalised or informally passed from one generation to the next. To develop an inclusive society, we must also address these attitudes and encourage their replacement with more inclusive attitudes.
All Canberrans can play a part in promoting social inclusiveness. We are generally a generous lot, and many of us make an effort to extend a welcoming hand to others.
I want to acknowledge the contribution that volunteers and philanthropists play in making our community work well. In the Canberra region there are over 2,500 not-for-profit and community groups. Many of these groups rely on the hard work of more than 100,000 volunteers who work across the health, education and environment sectors and countless others. It is here that we see the principles of inclusion at work. We see actions small and large that are supporting people to be included in the life of the city.
I acknowledge, too, the growing culture of philanthropy among the business community and private sector. Hands Across Canberra and the Snow Foundation are just a couple of examples of organisations that are harnessing the goodwill of people to do something tangible for Canberrans who are doing it tough, in a respectful manner.
Another great initiative highlighting Canberra’s social inclusiveness is coming up on Saturday, 28 March. The Connect and Participate Expo features over 140 social, recreational, cultural, artistic and sporting groups displaying what they do and how you can join them. I congratulate the Community Services team that kicked off the expo last year and all the community groups who took part so enthusiastically and are involved again this year. It is a chance for anyone to find out about the range of special interest groups and clubs in our community and how to get involved, but it also has a special emphasis on including people of all abilities and overcoming barriers to involvement.
The expo cleverly gives individuals—say someone with an intellectual disability or mobility issues—the chance to know what is available, a chance perhaps to try an activity, pursue an interest, and not be shy of asking how they can fit in and get involved. It is a fun day with a serious intent of building social connections, sharing common interests and being inclusive.
The CAP Expo is on Saturday, 28 March, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. On another side of the government’s commitment to social inclusion, there will be a free ACTION bus running between Civic and the Connect and Participate Expo on the day. I urge everyone to be part of social inclusion in action by making it to the expo on the 28th. I commend the motion to the Assembly.
Motion agreed to.
ACT Ambulance Service—alleged bullying
MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (5.39): I move:
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