Mary Porter AM MLA - Labor Member for Ginninderra

SCULLIN SHOPS TO BE REFURBISHED

From the Porter Report April 2009 - SCULLIN SHOPS TO BE REFURBISHED

Mary talks with a constituent at the Scullin Shops

Community consultation is a priority of the refurbishment process and the Department of Territory and Municipal Services is seeking input from the community to ensure it reflects their needs. “It’s good to see work being undertaken in this area,” Mary said “I’m looking forward to seeing a new look for Scullin.”

As part of the consultation process, Drop-In consultations will be held on Saturday 4 April from 11am to 2pm at the Scullin Shops.

Additionally, the community will have the opportunity to participate in the consultation process at ACT Government workshops and interest group meetings.

Key issues to be considered are improving the landscape, paths and plantings, public safety as well as security, accessibility, parking time limits, lighting and signage.

“This is a fantastic initiative,” Mary added, “I’m pleased that such an accessible and interactive consultation process is being undertaken as I raised the issue of this shopping precinct on a number of occasions with the Minister.”

Further information on refurbishment of the Scullin Shops and the consultation process can be obtained at http://www.tams.act.gov.au/

LIGHTS! CANBERRA! ACTION!

From the Porter Report April 2009 - LIGHTS! CANBERRA! ACTION!

Mary with the winner of the Best Film category, Patrick J Gallagher

“It is good to be able to reward someone for their hard work, and last night was no different,” Mary commented.

“I commend all those who submitted their short films, but I was particularly impressed by the winner of the Best Actor Performance, James Hunter. James first entered Lights! Canberra! Action! when he was 15, so this award was recognition not only for his talent, but for his perseverance,” Mary said.

A panel of four judges selected the top 12 out of the 36 entries which were received. Each film had to be produced in just 10 days, run for a maximum of 7 minutes and feature compulsory items such as Scrivener Dam and an ACT Boarder.

“Patrick J Gallagher was another who was rewarded for his long standing efforts in this competition. He has entered every year for the last six years, but last night was the first time that he took out the Best Film Category,” Mary said.

“It is good to see that a competition such as this provide an avenue for Canberrans to express themselves and further develop their skills,” Mary concluded.

FESTIVAL OF THE FORESTS

From the Porter Report April 2009 - FESTIVAL OF THE FORESTS

Mary plants her tree at the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens

Following this planting, Mary attended the Festival of the Forests which was hosted by the Friends of Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens (CIAG) Inc and included sustainability displays, mini train rides, bonsai exhibitions as well as a family fun run.

Since the Chief Minister’s announcement of plans to establish an Arboretum numerous forests have been planted comprising of different types of threatened and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world.

“I know the tree I planted will grow and be there for many years to come so it’s nice be able to contribute to the environment in such a meaningful way,” Mary commented.

INVESTING IN HAWKER

From the Porter Report March 2009 - INVESTING IN HAWKER

Mary presenting a cheque to Hawker College Deputy Principal and students

Hawker College was the first Government College to be presented with the funding. The Hawker College Parents and Citizens’ Association plan to invest the money in the community by putting it towards their Community Education Program.

“It is pleasing to see not only the school benefit from this investment, but the whole Hawker Community” Mary commented.

The Community Education Program (CEP) at Hawker operates after hours and offers a broad range of courses to people over thirty years of age in the community. The new funding will assist in establishing online booking services for the CEP, making the program more accessible to the community.

“Hawker is set to receive more funds yet,” Mary noted, “and is due to benefit from investments included in the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution Package which will incorporate upgrades to the school entrance, lift and ramp access as well as extensions to other facilities” Mary said.

“Hawker has a lot to look forward to,” Mary concluded.