CHIEF MINISTER WELCOMES NEW CANBERRANS TO FLORIADE

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope will today welcome 70 new Canberrans to the ACT at a Floriade-themed breakfast organised by the Live in Canberra campaign.

The new Canberrans will enjoy a complimentary breakfast and a tour of Floriade led by Floriade'sHead Horticulturalist, Mr Andrew Forster.

"Floriadeis Canberra's festival of spring, so it is fitting that we welcome our newest residents to the ACT by introducing them to this flagship event," Mr Stanhope said.

"Around 70 new Canberrans will enjoy a guided tour of the garden beds, made up of more than a million blooms, which create pictures reflecting this year's Floriade theme - Films that shaped our nation.

"These ‘Welcome Events' are an important part of the Live in Canberra campaign and are designed to help Canberra's newest residents make new friends and experience some of the exciting aspects of living in the ACT.

"The ‘Welcome Events' are held twice each month and free to new Canberrans who have arrived in the last 12 months.

"The Live in Canberra campaign is part of a suite of ACT Government initiatives to address the local impact of the national skills shortage by encouraging skilled workers and their families to move to Canberra.

"I want to acknowledge our 28 partner organisations from the Commonwealth, tertiary and private sectors for their willingness to work alongside the ACT Government to support this important campaign.

"The ACT Government will continue to support the Live in Canberra by investing $838,000 in the campaign over the next four years," Mr Stanhope said.

To register for the welcome events visit http://www.liveincanberra.com.au/ or call 6205 2814.