Page 772 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 20 March 2018
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leading a highly focused board to oversee the CFC’s governance, to set its strategic direction and to fulfil its leadership role in arts and heritage in our region.
There are few Canberrans who will not have visited one of the cultural venues that the CFC managed during John’s previous chair, whether it was for a performance at the Canberra Theatre Centre, an exhibition or workshop at the Canberra Museum and Gallery or a tour—or perhaps even a wedding—at one of our region’s historic sites, Lanyon Homestead, Calthorpes’ House or Mugga Mugga. John has consistently given back to the Canberra community, and this has been recognised in his being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.
Apart from John’s many achievements in the construction industry, the extent of his community engagement can be seen in his involvement with the Hands Across Canberra and the Boundless Playground charities, his roles as the Chairman of the National Gallery of Australia Foundation and as a member of the gallery’s governing council, and his position as an adjunct professor at the University of Canberra. Either personally or through his company John has supported major exhibitions and acquisitions at the National Gallery and at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, provided major sponsorship to the Canberra Theatre Centre and supported many community activities and local charities. We are all seeing the impact that a strong and active arts sector has on the cultural, societal and economic fabric of Canberra.
I appreciate and wish to recognise John’s work in promoting the cultural assets of the CFC as inclusive and inviting spaces for all Canberrans to enjoy. I also wish to thank him for the understanding he has brought to the role these facilities fulfil within the broader ecology of the arts and culture of the region. John’s vision for the future of these facilities is quite rightly an ambitious vision, and it echoes the government’s own wider ambition for our region.
The benefit of what the CFC has achieved under John’s leadership is immense, whether in terms of its economic impact or the opportunities that it provides for our community’s cultural participation and expression. John is an inspiring and philanthropic Canberran who I know takes pride in his service to our community. So I express tonight my thanks to John for his services as chair of the CFC over these past six years and for the bold vision he has given us for the future of a world-class theatre and gallery precinct.
I also wish to acknowledge John’s successor, Louise Douglas, who is also here tonight. Louise is stepping up from her deputy chair role to guide the CFC as chair over the coming 12 months, and I look forward to working with Louise and seeing our cultural facilities continue to flourish in the period ahead.
I again thank and congratulate John Hindmarsh for his outstanding cultural and community leadership, and I wish him and his family well into the future.
MADAM SPEAKER: It is somewhat awkward speaking from the chair, but before I call Mrs Kikkert, and with the indulgence of members, I, too, would like to take the opportunity to recognise John and his family and friends in the audience. You have served the cultural facilities well; indeed, you have served Canberra well. Thank you
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