Page 788 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 19 March 2019
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These scouts took responsibility for their decisions. They worked together within their boats, but also on the water, to be respectful of others and their spaces. Being responsible for the vessels also meant they were responsible not just when they were sailing but also when they capsized. If they got any assistance when they capsized they were disqualified, so they were literally doing everything themselves. It was really impressive to watch the calm, sensible ways in which the sea scouts handled themselves. It was an absolute credit to the Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts and the broader scouting movement.
For two hours we were on the water in the middle of the lake on the motorised safety boat—I noticed that that is the only time motorised boats are allowed on the lake—and that was also a fun thing to do. We helped to tow some buoys, pick up some items from the capsized boats and give some instruction when it was needed. And, under a lot of instruction, I was lucky enough to even drive the boat for a bit.
In addition to Tyde and Alex, I especially thank Klaus, Emma and Jacqui for being so welcoming and friendly and for making the afternoon such a fun one and such a memorable one. It is not hard to see why the scouts are such an important movement and why the Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts are a central pillar of Belconnen’s community fabric. It is also not hard to see why they have a waiting list to get in.
Christchurch tragedy
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (5.38): I was unable to speak to this morning’s condolence motion, so I am grateful to take this opportunity to say a few words on the terror attack that happened in Christchurch last Friday. First, I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the families of all the victims in this senseless tragedy—those who have lost loved ones are and will be struggling with broken hearts and pained souls. I hope that peace will somehow return to their lives. It is neither right nor fair that loved ones whose lives were knitted into their own—parents, spouses, children, siblings, family and friends—have been ripped away from them.
I also express my sympathy to the wounded and their families. I understand that as of this morning 31 people were still in Christchurch Hospital. Ten of them were in a critical condition. I hope that each of those victims will recover fully, not just physically but also emotionally. I hope that their family members and others will be strengthened in their bedside vigils. But the list of victims does not stop with these people. Evil acts create long chains of victims. My heart breaks for the Muslims in Christchurch and the rest of New Zealand who, in addition to their personal losses, feel fear, wonder if they are safe and wonder if they are really welcome.
This fear and senseless insecurity unfortunately impacts on Muslims far removed from the two mosques that were attacked, however. In this very community of ours our Muslim neighbours and friends are likewise worried. Are they safe? Are they welcome? Are they really our neighbours? The answer to all those questions has to be a loud, clear yes. I am grateful that I was able to attend the vigil and prayer meeting at the Canberra Islamic Centre last night, which you also attended, Madam Speaker, as did many other Liberal and Labor members. Many good people from all walks of life came together to mourn, to comfort, to be strengthened and to find piece.
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