Mary Porter AM MLA - Labor Member for Ginninderra

SCIENCE, ART AND THE CENTENARY

From the Porter Report May 2012 - SCIENCE, ART AND THE CENTENARY

Mary with David Lovell, Eleanor Gates-Stuart and Matthew Morell

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 CARNY

From the Porter Report May 2012 - A GREAT WEEKEND AT THE CHARNY CARNY

Mary presenting awards to Charny's Got Talent participants

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 STUDENTS

From the Porter Report May 2012 - SUPPORTING TALENTED STUDENTS

Kelly Breen, granddaughter of the late Gwen Breen, Mary Porter and Lyric Hearn, Year 8, Canberra Girls Grammar School, recipient

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 WORLD

From the Porter Report May 2012 - WALKING AROUND THE WORLD

Mary with Canberrans who volunteered their time to assist with the Canberra International Walking Weekend

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.