Page 1647 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 12 May 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
I would like to thank the sponsors of the ACT earth awards: Canberra Sand and Gravel, Civil Contractors Federation, Civil Construction Hire, ACT Economic Development Directorate, Land Development Agency, Master Builders ACT, Refuelling Solutions and Hays.
I would also like to congratulate the president, Andrew Crompton, for the work he has done. Once again, my congratulations to the entrants and winners and my thanks to all those involved in organising the earth awards.
Karinya House—Mother’s Day ball
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning, Minister for Roads and Parking, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Minister for Children and Young People and Minister for Ageing) (4.26): I am pleased this afternoon to talk about the most enjoyable Karinya House annual Mother’s Day ball, which was held last Friday evening at the Woden Southern Cross Club. As many members of this Assembly know, Karinya House is a fantastic community-based organisation that provides much-needed supported accommodation and outreach services to pregnant young people and their families in crisis.
I believe all mothers should have the opportunity to parent their child. For those parents who may be young and needing support to look after their babies, learning how to care for a child in a supported environment such as Karinya House can make all the difference. During the evening we heard a number of powerful personal accounts from young women who had been supported by Karinya House in the past. That help had played a vital part in enabling them to look after their babies through different crisis situations.
That is why I am particularly pleased that the ACT government has recently provided $2.7 million to Karinya House to develop new facilities and to double its capacity. This will include a mother and baby unit which will provide supervision and support for up to three months to new mothers whose babies might be at risk of entering the care system.
I was pleased to be joined at the ball by a number of my Assembly colleagues: Mrs Dunne, Ms Fitzharris, Mr Rattenbury and Mr Smyth and their partners too, and by around 300 supporters of Karinya House. It was a fun evening, with a host of generously donated prizes and auction items from local businesses and individuals. I would like to thank Marie-Louise Corkhill, director at Karinya House, and her hardworking staff and dedicated board members for arranging such a successful and enjoyable fundraising event.
I would also like to thank Mr Michael Cooney for being such an entertaining master of ceremonies and proficient auctioneer. I wish Karinya House well for the future and look forward to seeing its new development and expanded service progressing over the coming months.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video