Page 2810 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 12 August 2015
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Wanniassa. On Friday night I had the pleasure of opening Playground Dreaming, a weekend of Indigenous art, food and friendship, raising money through the sale of Indigenous art supplied to support the sensory playground being built at St Anthony’s. The artwork has been supplied by Yuendumu community in the Northern Territory, one of the largest Aboriginal communities in central Australia. The artwork was up for sale on the evening, with all the profits going towards St Anthony’s sensory playground.
It should be noted that St Anthony’s has strong ties to the Yuendumu community, which was formed in 2012 through the Warlukurlangu arts centre, one of the largest and most successful Aboriginal-owned art centres in central Australia. The novel idea for this has been developed in collaboration with the school community, and has produced an event that benefits both the Indigenous artists in the territory and one of our local school communities.
I note that the school has had a long relationship with the Indigenous community in the Northern Territory and had a drive to send clothing, books and the like to support students and young children in the territory. It is nice to see that kind-heartedness and charitable gesture being repaid by using some of the talents and skills that they possess in central Australia.
As I mentioned earlier, the event was opened on Friday night and was held in the foyer of the Southern Cross Club. On the night I was welcomed by Greg Walker, the principal of St Anthony’s, and was delighted to be joined for a welcome to country performance by Jaharn, a student at the school, and his godmother.
The effort put into the evening was evident in the amazing quality of artwork, and the sales that took place are a sign of the success of the evening. I would like to make a special mention of Libby Andrews, one of the masterminds behind the scenes who organised the event and all that it entailed. Libby and the other parents involved should be commended for their dedication to the school community and the positive effect this will have on those with a disability in their school.
Just in case anyone feels as though they have missed out on the evening, I would implore you to visit the temporary shop located at the Tuggeranong hyperdome, where sales will continue. As I mentioned before, all the benefit will go to one of Canberra’s great local Catholic schools, a school that I was privileged to have attended in my younger years. I congratulate them for the hard work they have been doing.
Recreational Aviation Australia
MR COE (Ginninderra) (9.31): I rise tonight to talk about Recreational Aviation Australia. Beginning life in 1983, Recreational Aviation Australia is the peak body in Australia responsible for administering ultralight, recreational and light sport aircraft operations. The organisation supports over 9,500 members, over 3,300 aircraft and 40 registered aero clubs. Working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the group is able to train and certify new pilots, maintainers and flying instructors as well as overseeing the operations of 172 flying training facilities throughout the country.
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