Recently Mary attended the Belconnen Community Men’s Shed in Page, with fellow Member for Ginninderra, Dr Chris Bourke.
“Over a cuppa Chris and I listened to the men talk about how the “shed” had helped them, sometimes turning their life around at a time they felt isolated, Mary said.
“I believe the support that is provided by Men’s Sheds and the contribution they make is not fully recognised by the community.
Recently Mary presented the 2014 and 2015 Peter Sharp Scholarships to Amanda Steel and Jordan Savage at an award ceremony held at the Australian National University (ANU).
The scholarship program is named after Dr Peter Sharp AM, who made a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of the community, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the local region; and serves to support medical students enrolled in the Indigenous health stream throughout their studies.
Canberra had the proud opportunity to be a part of the biggest football tournament ever staged in Australia by hosting seven games.
All matches had incredible turnouts at Canberra Stadium where during 82,000 people attended over the tournament.
The attendance at Asian Cup games once again demonstrated what a wonderful multicultural community we have here, not only across Australia, but also in Canberra, joining together as one and celebrating the love of sport and football.
Bike Culture on Nettlefold Street, Belconnen, in honour of Mr Bob Miller
Bob, a cyclist, retired lecturer from the University of Canberra and now a PhD candidate, is undertaking a 5000 km riding journey, from Perth to Sydney, to raise funds and promote awareness for a charity that aims to prevent exploitation of children and youth of the Hill Tribe people in Thailand.
Bob departed Hillarys Beach in Perth on Saturday 22, March, and will be riding for 57 days to arrive at Bondi on 17 May.
Mary recently attended the 18th annual Canberra and Area Theatre Awards (CAT Awards).
The awards recognise outstanding performances and back stage contributions by non-professional theatre groups and schools in Canberra and the wider region.
Along with legendary performers Tony Lamond and John Wood, Mary is a long-serving patron.
"It is great to see our community recognising the wonderful talent we have both here and in the region," Mary said.
Mary recently joined Canberra United players and staff to celebrate the end of the 2012/13 season.
Canberra United, which was one of the founding teams when the W-League began in 2008, has been wildly successful making the finals every season except this one.
Canberra United is unique in the W-League, being the only team which is not affiliated with an A-League club.
Canberra United also do considerable work in the community, with members of the team frequently visiting ACT schools and regularly conducting skills workshops for young people.
Mary recently attended the fourth annual Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA) Awards which celebrate those people who have made outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people affected by drugs.
As well as recognising those who work supporting those affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, the awards celebrate those who contribute by reducing the harm caused by drugs or by assisting with the development of new strategies.
Recently, Mary officially opened the Interfaith Environment Healing and Meditation Garden project, which is adjacent to the Clare Holland house.
“This is a excellent initiative which really reflects the wonderful spirit of the Canberra community,” Mary said. “I am very glad to be part of today’s ceremony.
“This garden symbolises, in a practical way, the achievements that people can make when they work together with a common purpose, and also how all members of the community, of whatever faith, belief or culture, can do in caring for each other.