Mary Porter AM MLA - Labor Member for Ginninderra

Indigenous Cadetship Support

From the Porter Report July 2010 - Indigenous Cadetship Support

Jack Simpson, Frank Gafa and Mary

This year’s theme for the National NAIDOC Week celebrations is Unsung Heroes – Closing the Gap by Leading the Way.

Mary said, “It’s important to recognise the many Indigenous people who are working as volunteers behind the scenes as well as those in front line positions such as our armed forces, Police and Emergency Services”.

She also took the opportunity to commend the Australian Government for the Indigenous Cadetship Support initiative (ICS), which aims at improving professional employment prospects of Indigenous Australians.

ICS is part of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Employment Policy (IEP) that focuses on generating more employment opportunities for Indigenous tertiary students by enabling them to gain professional qualifications and experience and move into employment on completion of their studies.

Mary, a long time supporter of the ICS policy, has engaged Frank Gafa and Jack Simpson for the past year, through these cadetships.

“There isn’t, to the best of my knowledge, another Indigenous person employed in the ACT Legislative Assembly,” Mary said. “There are also no Indigenous elected members of the Legislative Assembly and there has only ever been two Federal Indigenous MPs,” Mary added.

Mary’s affinity with Indigenous cultures stems from her working as a nurse for an extended period (12 years) in central Australia. “I’m happy to be playing a role in increasing the level of engagement of indigenous people in politics,” Mary concluded.

Launch of Boy From Oz

From the Porter Report July 2010 - Launch of Boy From Oz

Jarrad West as Peter Allen, Mary, Bronwyn Sullivan as Marion Woolnough (Peter's mum) and Annemaree McLeod as Liza Minelli

Mary was pleased to be able to attend the recent Launch of the upcoming Canberra production of the well known musical Boy From Oz, in her role as the Patron of the Canberra and Area Theatre Awards, fondly known as the CATS. The Canberra Philharmonic Society will present the famous musical at the Erindale Theatre from August 13 to September 4.

The Boy From Oz is the story of one of Australia's well-loved sons Peter Allen, tracing his childhood and his career with all its pathos and drama. Many of the shows’ songs are now part of our Australian culture such as the "Tenterfield Saddler", a song about Peter's father, and "I still call Australia Home", which is also featured in the production.

"We are fortunate to have such a strong and vibrant amateur theatre scene in the ACT and region", Mary said, " on any given week here in Canberra there is so much live theatre going on, its sometimes difficult for people to choose what to go to see!" she added.

People who would like to see Boy From Oz can Book via: www.philo.org.au.

Volunteer of the Year 2010

From the Porter Report July 2010 - Volunteer of the Year 2010

Mary with Neal Miller (Volunteer of the Year 2010)

Mary congratulates this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award Mr. Neal Francis Miller for his outstanding service to the community through his involvement with the Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen.

Neal started his association with the Lions Club in July 1996 and has served with distinction since that date. His dedication has earned him several Lions Medals and certificates of achievements.

Neal’s effort, particularly in fundraising, deserves mention. As a result of his direct involvement in the annual Lions Breakfast-at-the-Balloons project over the last fourteen years, approximately 800 hours, he has helped raise over $ 180,000. This has enabled the club to donate nearly $40,000 to the Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation; the Lions Save Sight Projects and importantly too, the purchase of four Hart Walker frames for children with cerebral palsy.

Neal also volunteers his time to the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (ACT) (SSAA), through which he works tirelessly to foster the safe and responsible use of firearms within the community. He is involved in teaching young and potential sports persons, as well as coordinating remedial training sessions for members of the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Federal Police and New South Wales Police. In 2008 Neal was awarded life membership of the SSAA (ACT) Inc.

Charity Day at the Belconnen Bowling Club

From the Porter Report July 2010 - Charity Day at the Belconnen Bowling Club

Mary (Patron) and Nicole (President) with Members of View Club

Mary believes it is a privilege to be Patron of the Belconnen Bowling Club, an active, community run club which not only provides its members with an opportunity for recreation, competition and social activities, but also takes its role as part of the wider community very seriously.

The club frequently runs Charity Days, in order to raise considerable funds for worthwhile organisations, and also for individuals and families going through a difficult patch in their lives. These days are well supported by the club members, who prove yet again what a wonderful community we have in Canberra, where volunteers do so much, quietly, behind the scenes, without fanfare.

"I always enjoy going along to the Belconnen Bowling Club," Mary said, "it has a warm welcoming atmosphere, and the Charity Days are always great and the members are so generous."

Recently Mary attended a Charity Day at the club to raise money for the View Club; the funds will go to the Smith Family's "Learning for Life Program". The program supports disadvantaged children by linking them with opportunities including literacy support, mentoring, tutoring and possibilities for personal development. It also provides financial scholarships to assist with essential school expenses such as uniforms, books and excursions