Page 1032 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Canberra’s quiet achievers, yet it not only delivers significant social and economic benefits to the Canberra community but also is a respected national leader in the field of the performing arts.
Not afraid to take risks, the Canberra Theatre provides the Canberra community, as well as those further afield, with a wide range of entertainment options from music to dance, music theatre and more. These offerings cover just about every genre in each field of theatre. Through these offerings, Canberrans are able to experience performance by local, national and international artists of the highest calibre.
This is only able to be delivered when you have excellent leadership. Ms Harriet Elvin, the CEO of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, is such a leader. Ms Elvin has created a culture throughout her team that is positive, cooperative, supportive and respectful. Most of all, they claim ownership of and are committed to delivering the organisation’s goals and the kinds of outcomes that I have outlined today. We can include in that team the many volunteers who give up their time and skills to enhance the services the corporation provides, particularly with Historic Places.
That culture is not limited to the Canberra Theatre, Madam Speaker. The Cultural Facilities Corporation’s other arms, the Canberra Museum and Gallery and ACT Historic Places, enjoy exactly the same sort of spirit and culture and deliver the very best for the people of Canberra. Regardless of which facility one visits, or which event—whether it is a live performance, an art exhibition or an event at one of the historic places—the culture is evident and abundant. One feels welcome, even at home, treated as one of the team that is the Cultural Facilities Corporation. The ambience alone at the facilities evokes that culture.
Our government agencies that have been in the spotlight recently and are struggling with issues of workplace culture would do well to study the success of the Cultural Facilities Corporation and the corporate culture that it enjoys. I have spoken a number of times before about the high regard and respect that I have for the Cultural Facilities Corporation and the team led by Harriet Elvin and the board. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to do so again, especially when we see such tangible results for the city.
I congratulate the Cultural Facilities Corporation for its work and what it does to promote and enhance the arts and history in the ACT. It is a jewel in the crown and it sets an impressive benchmark for achievement in Canberra’s cultural life.
Schools—Lyneham
MS STEPHEN-SMITH (Kurrajong—Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Disability, Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Minister for Government Services and Procurement, Minister for Urban Renewal) (6.25): I have always been a strong believer in and advocate for our public school system and recognise the important role our public schools play in helping to shape, engage and support our local communities.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video