Page 4708 - Week 12 - Thursday, 1 November 2018
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the veterans support centre staff, including Florence Sofield, Rani Kalimeris, Andrew Properjohn, and Lynnda Livesey.
I would like to thank Peter Eveille. Peter has volunteered with the veteran community for more than 45 years, including a stint as the branch president. I thank Ross Thomas and other pension officers and advocates—Kathleen Craig, Margaret Lax, Dave Jeffery, Brian Alabaster, Arnie Vereschild, Smokie Dawson and Hilton Lennard, as well as a number of trainees who have been working with them. Sadly, one of the most effective and prolific advocates, Ralph Sullivan, a former colleague of mine in Army headquarters, passed away a few months ago.
I would also like to thank Alex Reynolds, Jack Aaron, Quinton and Cynthia White and many others who all do hospital visits and undertake other tasks to support our members and others. I would like to thank Peter Sutton—who is well known for volunteering with the RSL, as well as Lifeline and Vinnies—Reg Gillard, Ian Gollings, Bill Spaven, Merna Gillard, Shirley Gollings, Max Brennan and John Kent. I would also like to thank Bob Cremer, the long-time editor of The Serviceman, which is the sub-branch magazine—and photographer, reporter, director and volunteer for just about everything.
With respect to the Anzac and Peace Ceremony essay competition, I would like to thank Bill Smith, Mike Taylor, Andre Bobets and Greg Kennett. I thank the funeral tributes team—Peter MacFetters, Peter Dinham, Jack Aaron, Bill Smith, Alex Reynolds and Rob MacAulay. I would like to thank Bill Smith, Peter Dinham, Neil Horn and Mike Taylor, who have all contributed to the sub-branch over many years and who continue to be a source of advice and assistance to members for all sorts of reasons. To all of the other members and volunteers: thank you and well done for all that you do for our veterans community.
Miss Africa Canberra
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (5.56): Although Africa is sometimes mistakenly thought of as a single country, it is actually the world’s second-largest continent in both area and population. The land mass is characterised by great diversity in both geography and people. To give just one example, its 1.2 billion inhabitants speak more than 1,500 languages. These numbers are matched by Africa’s cultural diversity.
Canberra is fortunate to have a growing population of residents who were born in Africa or who trace their ancestry there. Events that showcase our African multicultural communities are increasingly common. This past April, for example, saw the launching of the territory’s first Africa Party in the Park—an opportunity to enjoy African food, arts, fashion, music and dance. This was followed by the African Australian awards dinner, which is now held in Canberra each year. This celebration recognises the tireless service of many individuals. This year the program also featured the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda as special guests. I congratulate Charles Koker, the coordinator of the event, and his team on putting together such a moving celebration of the many contributions that African Australians make to our city.
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