Mary Porter AM MLA - Labor Member for GinninderraYour Voice in the ACT Government |
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Information in relation to current inquiries and reports including public submissions. The current Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly (including the ones Mary is on). Mobile Office Meet me at the shops and markets. May
These dates are subject to variation due to unanticipated events
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SPECIAL NOTICESMy thanks to all those people who met me at my Mobile Offices over the weekend. I would urge those who raised issues with me on Saturday, 5 May 2012, to contact my office on 6205 0100 or via this website. Lake Ginninderra Water Ski Training TrialAs you may be aware, the ACT Government is currently seeking feedback in relation to a water ski and wake boarding trail on Lake Ginninderra. Understandably the trial has generated a variety of responses from the community, ranging from outright opposition to the trial, others who support it and some who are happy to monitor its effects and reserve their judgement. Over the weekend of 31 March and 1 April an unknown organisation or person left a flyer on people’s windscreens at the John Knight Park car park, inviting people to contact me as their local member in relation to this trial. I would like to make it clear that I did not distribute the flyer. In fact, I did not know of its existence until when I came to my office on Monday 2 April. I had nothing to do with the writing, printing and distributing of this flyer and consider it most inappropriate that those unhappy about the trial chose this course of action. It is also illegal to carry out this activity. Yesterday I noticed the same flyer stapled to the Government’s signs erected to inform the public about the trial, again most unhelpful. I strongly suggest people to visit the website of the Territory and Municipal Services Directorate for further information about the trial. The website is available at: http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/about_our_department/community_engagemen.... If you would like me to make representations on your behalf, as your local member, please feel free to contact my office on 6205 0100 or through this website. As I said, I have received a large number of emails in relation to the water skiing trial on Lake Ginninderra and I have relayed all of this information to the Minister concerned. Update on the Retirement Villages Bill 2011A copy of the Bill is available to view and download at http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_43460/default.asp. Your Grants Directory 2011-2012You can access the 2011-12 Grants Directory here. For further information please contact Mary's office on 6205 0100 or email: porter@parliament.act.gov.au “Matters of Public Importance - Your Assembly @ Work”“Matters of Public Importance - Your Assembly @ Work” is a newsletter produced by the Clerk of the ACT Legislative Assembly. It provides an overview of the most recent business of the Assembly in a brief but informative way. I would highly recommend the newsletter to all Canberrans interested in the business of the Assembly. “Matters of Public Importance - Your Assembly @ Work” is available at http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/working/RSSfeed.xml. “Assembly @ Work” – The Legislative Assembly’s school newsletterThe Legislative Assembly’s school newsletter is an outstanding resource for educators in the ACT or for anyone wishing to learn more about the operations of the Assembly. The newsletter is produced by the Education Office of the Secretariat of the Assembly. A copy of the newsletter is available at http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/education/newsletter.asp SCIENCE, ART AND THE CENTENARYFrom the Porter Report May 2012 - SCIENCE, ART AND THE CENTENARY
Mary recently announced that a local artist, Eleanor Gates-Stuart, has been awarded a commission to produce major science-based artworks as part of the Centenary of Canberra celebrations. “As many would know, I’m a big supporter of the arts in all forms and it’s always wonderful to see our local artists afforded such opportunities,” Mary said. The Centenary Science Art Commission means Ms Gates-Stuart will now begin a long-term residence in partnership with the CSIRO in Canberra. Building upon important links between art and science, Ms Gates-Stuart’s winning concept is for a major visual production called a StellrScopeI which will explore the story connecting the Canberra region to Australia’s major crop, wheat. The project will culminate in a series of scientific digital artworks for exhibition at Questacon in August 2013 and an exhibition documenting Ms Gates-Stuart’s residency will be presented at the CSIRO Discovery Centre including a series of digital artworks. “This exhibition which brings together science, agriculture and art is an engaging way to highlight Canberra’s strengths. I congratulate Ms Gates-Stuart for being selected to play this very important role,” Mary concluded. Further information about the Centenary of Canberra is available at http://www.canberra100.com.au/. A GREAT WEEKEND AT THE CHARNY CARNYFrom the Porter Report May 2012 - A GREAT WEEKEND AT THE CHARNY CARNY
Mary recently attended the 10th Charnwood Community Carnival, better known as the Charny Carny, at the Charnwood Community Oval. The Charny Carny was first held in 2003 and has since gained a reputation as an exciting event for all members of the family. The Charny Carny arose because of the intense competition between the Charnwood-Dunlop Primary School, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School and the Mount Rogers Scout Group for community support. Rather than competing for support, the groups now pool their efforts to organise the Charny Carny, leading to a better event and an easier load for those who generously volunteer their time to help organise these events. “It is always great to see members of the community working together for such a worthwhile cause. The success of the Charny Carny is outstanding and it is always an exciting event which we eagerly look forward to each year. “I congratulate the organisers and wish them the very best luck for next year,” Mary concluded. SUPPORTING TALENTED STUDENTSFrom the Porter Report May 2012 - SUPPORTING TALENTED STUDENTS
Mary recently joined with members of the Podmore Foundation to celebrate the award of scholarships to three very talented young women from Indigenous communities in Queensland. The Podmore foundation was established in 2008 by a group of Duntroon graduates and has been providing scholarships to talented Indigenous children from rural and remote areas ever since. The organisation aims to uplift Indigenous communities by helping young Indigenous men and women become role models and leaders in thE future. Each scholarship is awarded based upon merit. There are seven young Indigenous scholars who are currently being supported by the Podmore Foundation, one of whom is Lyric Hearn. In the past, Mary and her husband Ian, through private donation, matched the ACT Government’s donation of $2 000 to Lyric to enable her to live and study in Canberra. Mary and Ian have also pledged continuing support for the Podmore Foundation in the future. “My husband and I are delighted to have the opportunity to assist Lyric,” Mary said. “I believe that one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a good education. “It was great to once again catch up with Lyric and discuss how she was progressing in her studies. Lyric is an exceptionally talented and caring young lady. Ian and I wish her all the best for the future,” Mary concluded. Further information about the Podmore Foundation and how you can get involved is available at http://podmorefoundation.org/. WALKING AROUND THE WORLDFrom the Porter Report May 2012 - WALKING AROUND THE WORLD
Earlier this month, Mary joined walkers from around the world for the Canberra International Walking Weekend. “Taking part in this walk is not only a great way of socialising, it is also a great way of promoting physical activity and encouraging a healthier lifestyle,” Mary said. Now in its 21st year, 600 Canberrans were joined by 30 international walkers from countries including Norway, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Japan as they walked distances from 5 to 30 kilometres on both Saturday and Sunday as part of the weekend. The non-competitive nature of the walk means there was time to sight-see or have a break along the way while enjoying Canberra’s autumn and the company of fellow walkers. There was also a presentation of Volunteer Awards recognising volunteer service for the event. “As we all know, if it weren’t for the people who volunteer their valuable time and expertise, events such as this would simply never happen. “I hope Canberrans are motivated by the weekend’s walks to think about how they are able to put time aside to walk more frequently and make it a regular part of their day,” Mary concluded. |
Mary Porter's Photo Gallery - Out and AboutMary with Lara Watters (11 year old participant) Mary’s Media Releases
Recent ACT Government Media Releases |