Page 838 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 2018
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Madam Speaker, it was a packed week, with the theme of the week being “Love later life”. It was fantastic to see so many of our older Canberrans doing just that and continuing to be the active and engaged citizens that bring such diversity to this city.
MR PETTERSSON: Can the minister update the Assembly on the Chief Minister’s concert that occurred during Seniors Week?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary question. The Chief Minister’s concert is a definite highlight of Seniors Week. It has become such a popular event that we had to have two concerts last Tuesday, and we still could not quite meet the demand. Both concerts were packed out, with around 350 in attendance for each show. In fact we still had a few people ringing on the day to see if any new seats had opened up.
The entertainment was provided by the band of the Royal Military College, the Australian Army’s premier military ceremonial band. With such a talented group of musicians, it is not hard to see why it was such a popular event, having regard to the breadth of skill and the depth of talent that was on display as they did everything from Shostakovich to Bette Midler, and even a fanfare composed by the conductor for his sister’s wedding. They provided a stirring performance, and on both occasions they were met with standing ovations.
It is not often that so many of my portfolios interact, with this one event including seniors, arts and veterans, but it shows how integrated the work that we do is. I certainly would like to extend my thanks to the band of the Royal Military College for their continued support of events such as the Chief Minister’s concert and the popular Music at Midday series, and I thoroughly look forward to the next time that I hear them play.
MS ORR: Can the minister update the Assembly on the seniors expo that occurred during Seniors Week?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Orr for the supplementary question. The seniors expo is another of the very popular events during Seniors Week. We saw over 130 community groups, service providers and businesses showcase what they have on offer for seniors in the ACT. The expo was packed with a huge number of things to see and to do, and ways to find out more about how our seniors can remain integral, connected contributors to our community. People were able to find out information on the community, on government and on allied health services. They could see tips on the kind of caravan that might suit their next trip across our wide brown land, or inquire about various clubs or interest groups, all gathered under one roof.
I had a great time on the day, getting out and speaking to a number of different stallholders. I managed to get my balance checked to ensure that I am in the top shape I am in, at least for my age. There were demonstrations by St John Ambulance and entertainment by the Seasoned Voices Choir.
Opposition members interjecting—
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