Mary Porter AM MLA - Labor Member for Ginninderra

WORKING FOR FAIRNESS IN RETIREMENT VILLAGES

From the Porter Report December 2011 - WORKING FOR FAIRNESS IN RETIREMENT VILLAGES

Mary with Sinniah Sivapathasingam and Vaitlingam Tharmotharalingam, two members of the University of the Third Age

Recently, Mary tabled the Retirement Villages Bill 2011 ‘in principle.’ The Bill represents the culmination of extensive research and consultation by Mary over the last several years.

“While I am aware that for the most part living in a retirement village is a very positive experience for residents, I believe it is crucial to ensure current and prospective residents are fully aware of their rights and obligations and have mechanisms in place to deal with issues, as they arise, in a just and expedient manner.

“The Bill will also encourage those involved in the industry to continue to invest in Canberra as it will provide them with the certainty they need.

“Currently, we are the only Australian state or territory that does not have legislation to guide the operation of retirement villages,” Mary said.

The Bill covers an extensive range of issues but focuses on key areas of concern that have been identified by residents and operators. These include the provision of information to current and potential residents of retirement villages and the creation of a process to handle retirement village disputes.

“I believe this legislation will prove to be the most effective method of providing Canberrans with appropriate protections when moving into a retirement village, while also providing certainty for the retirement village industry and facilitating its growth.

“I look forward to the Bill receiving the support of all other members of the Assembly when the Bill is debated in 2012 in the detailed stage,” Mary concluded.

MARY CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS

From the Porter Report November 2011 - MARY CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS

Mary with Robyn Septon

Recently Mary visited volunteers at the ACT Government owned Domestic Animal Services (DAS), located at Mugga Lane in Symonston, and called on ACT and Regions residents to consider volunteering their time at DAS.

DAS is a business unit responsible for providing a range of animal control services to the residents of the ACT and Region, including caring for stray, roaming, injured and lost dogs until they are re-homed.

Re-homing the dogs requires that they are exposed to regular outdoor exercise, attention and affection.

DAS Volunteers play a critical role in achieving this goal by interacting with the dogs, through walking them on a regular basis. This is done off leash, at the two large exercise yards available at DAS, or on-leash, at close by bush trails, depending on the dog’s needs.

DAS is currently recruiting volunteers for the spring and summer seasons, particularly for Week Days between 10:30am and 2:30pm.

As a DAS volunteer you can make a real and practical contribution to the prospect of dogs at DAS finding caring new homes, while at the same time having an enjoyable time with great dogs. What a terrific way to make a difference!!

For further information on how to become a volunteer please contact the DAS Volunteer Coordinator Simon Tadd on 62072249 or via email at Simon.Tadd@act.gov.au.

GRANTS DIRECTORY RELEASED

From the Porter Report December 2011 - GRANTS DIRECTORY RELEASED

The front page of the 2011-12 Grants Directory

Mary is pleased to announce the release of the Grants Directory for the 2011-12 financial year.

Last year’s Directory was very popular with hundreds of requests for the Directory received throughout the year. As a result of this, Mary decided to produce an updated version.

“As the Member for Ginninderra I often speak with people who have an idea for a project that would benefit the community, but are not sure of how to bring the particular project to life. My hope is that my Grants Directory will help these ideas come to life,” Mary stated.

The Grants Directory contains updated information on grants available from the ACT Government, Federal Government, non-government organisations, clubs and philanthropic bodies.

“If you require further information or need assistance with grant applications please contact my office or visit me at my mobile office or via my website,” Mary concluded.

The Grants Directory is also available for download from Mary’s website http://www.maryporter.net/.

If you have any further questions about the 2011-12 Grants Directory, or have any difficulty downloading a copy, please contact Mary’s office on 6205 0100.

10 YEARS OF THE RAINBOW

From the Porter Report December 2011 - 10 YEARS OF THE RAINBOW

Mary with Tony Fitzgerald

Mary recently joined Mental Health Foundation ACT to celebrate the 10 year of The Rainbow.

The Mental Health Foundation receives funding from the ACT Government to deliver a range of mental health services and programs, including The Rainbow, to the Canberra community.

“Only ten years ago The Rainbow was an idea. Today it’s a thriving community, with its members involved in a myriad of activities including arts and craft, music, IT, gardening and health and exercise groups,” Mary commented.

“The Rainbow strives to improve the health of people living in Canberra, by celebrating and supporting the recovery journey,” Mary said. “It’s through a celebration such as this that the wider community will learn more about mental illness, and break down the stigma and myths that surround it.”

Due to increased demand for the service, The Rainbow extended the days it provides its services from four to five days a week in July this year.

I congratulate The Rainbow management, staff, members and volunteers, both past and present, for their significant work over the past ten years,” Mary concluded.

The Rainbow is located in H Block at the Canberra Technology Park, Phillip Avenue, Watson and can also be contacted on 6242 6575.Further information about the Mental Health Foundation and the services it offers is available at http://www.mhf.org.au/mhf/.

CELEBRATING NARRABUNDAH COLLEGE’S CONTRIBUTION TO CANBERRA

From the Porter Report December 2011 - CELEBRATING NARRABUNDAH COLLEGE’S CONTRIBUTION TO CANBERRA

Mary with Mick March, a former principal of Narrabundah College

Mary recently joined a reunion of current and past students and teachers of Narrabundah College to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary.

Narrabundah High School, as it was then known, opened as Canberra’s third High School, in 1961, and was later re-formed as Narrabundah College after the ACT developed its own education system in 1976.

“Narrabundah College has long been recognised for its excellent student academic and artistic outcomes,” Mary stated.

Since 1961, Narrabundah High School and then the College has seen thousands of young people pass though its doors, providing them with a fantastic education, and equipping them with necessary tools to give them the best possible start in life.

Notable alumni of Narrabundah College include Tim Ferguson, Australian comedian and TV presenter, Martin Craft, a founding member of the Australian rock band Sidewinder who now works as a songwriter in London, and Helen Razer, a well-known newspaper columnist and radio presenter.

“As the Patron of the Canberra and Area Theatre Awards, formally known as CATS, I often see references to the College in the program notes of many local and some regional performances,” Mary commented.

Included in the celebrations was a display of classrooms set up reflecting each decade of the college’s history, musical performances from current and former students, college tours, food stalls, a second hand book shop and a time capsule presentation.

Narrabundah College is also highly regarded for its international student program, which attracts students from Asia, Europe and South America. The college offers 10 languages and an International Baccalaureate Diploma and French Baccalaureate program, in addition to the ACT Year 12 Certificate.

“This is a celebration of past growth and development of the school community as well as the achievements of current students and staff,” Mary said.

I congratulate all students, teachers, staff members, parents and volunteers who have contributed to making Narrabundah College the success it is today,” Mary concluded.