Mary Porter AM MLA - Labor Member for Ginninderra

KIPPAX OVAL REDEVELOPMENT

From the Porter Report May 2013 - KIPPAX OVAL REDEVELOPMENT

Mary with Brendan Read (President BMFC), Minister Barr and Daryl Read (Project Coordinator)

Last month Mary joined the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mr Andrew Barr MLA, at the official opening of the Kippax Enclosed Oval Redevelopment.

The $3 Million redevelopment of the oval was made possible by several sporting clubs pooling their resources.

“This project is an outstanding example of what is able to be achieved when government and community work together,” Mary said.

The redevelopment has seen the realignment of the ground, a new couch grass and playing surface installed, an improved irrigation system, new turf wickets square and synthetic cricket nets.

Also included in the redevelopment was a pavilion which includes a club room, recovery room, and covered seating as well as a new perimeter fence, coaches’ boxes, an electronic scoreboard, a BBQ area, goal posts, storage facilities and improved landscaping.

“Developments such as this encourage young people to take up, and continue playing their chosen sport and to be able to play on first class grounds such as this one at Kippax,” Mary stated.

“I want to thank the Belconnen Magpies Football Club, the Magpies Sports Club, AFL NSW/ACT, the Ginninderra Cricket Club and Cricket ACT for the contribution that each of them has made to this project.

GAME, SET, MATCH

From the Porter Report May 2013 - GAME, SET, MATCH

Mary with Arthur Wilks

Recently Mary launched a book- Table Tennis in Canberra and Region- a History, written by Mr Arthur Wilks, a long-time resident of Canberra and a keen sport-person.

“As a published poet myself, I congratulate Arthur for writing this book,” Mary said.

“It is not only a fascinating read, but it also ensures that some of the intriguing stories of Canberra are preserved.

“Arthur is a long-time friend and has had many passions over the years, including sport, such as cricket and bocchi. However, the sport that has been his greatest passion is table tennis,” Mary stated

The history of table tennis dates back to the hostel era of the ACT, and was a great way for people to join social groups and keep fit. You can read more about the fascinating history in Arthur’s book.

The book was made possible through funding by the ACT Government under the Heritage Grants Program.

PODMORE SCHOLARSHIP

From the Porter Report May 2013 - PODMORE SCHOLARSHIP

Mary with Miss Sarah-Cait Kirkland (Scholarship Recipient)

Last month Mary attended the Podmore Foundation Inc. Scholarship Presentation at the Royal Golf Club, where several young indigenous students from remote parts of Australia received scholarships to help them study in Canberra.

The Podmore Foundation Inc. is a non-for-profit organisation that involves a diverse group of Australians who want to create educational opportunities for others.

The organisation raises funds and mentors specially-selected Indigenous boys and girls from rural and remote communities and towns, who have received scholarships on merit to some of Australia’s finest independent boarding schools.

Mary and her husband Ian have been involved with Podmore over several years and have donated privately to assist several students to live and study in Canberra. One of the young students who benefited from the scholarships this year is Miss Sarah-Cait Kirkland who will be studying at the Canberra Girls Grammar (CGGS).

“My husband and I are delighted at the opportunity of assisting Miss Kirkland achieve her dreams,” Mary said. “As many of you know, I have five children, ten grand children and one great grandchild; I believe that one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a good education.”

This individual scholarship is named after Mary’s deceased parents, Mr and Mrs Pannell, who gave Mary the opportunity of emigrating from England to Australia as a child.

“It was a pleasure catching up with Miss Kirkland at the presentation ceremony, and discussing with her the progress she was making in her studies,” Mary remarked. “Ian and I wish her all the best for the future,” she concluded.

MILLION PAWS WALK

From the Porter Report May 2013 - MILLION PAWS WALK

Mary with Michael Linke (CEO of RSPCA)

Recently Mary attended this year’s RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk launch. The walk will be held on Sunday 9 May.

“As you know, the Million Paws Walk is RSPCA’s annual fundraising event, which plays a critical role of supporting their ongoing work of providing shelter and of re-homing of domestic animals,” Mary said.

Apart from its work with domestic animals, the RSPCA also rescues and cares for injured wildlife, investigates allegations of cruelty, provides input to the development of legislation and plays a critical role in raising community awareness about animal welfare.

As you are aware, I have had a keen interest in animal welfare matters for a long time and have, over the last three years, worked very closely with the TAMS Directorate through Domestic Animals Services (DAS), the RSPCA and other stakeholders to improve on the animal welfare laws in the ACT. I was more recently, in April 2012, involved with the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), as they consulted on the mandatory code on sale of animals in the ACT.

“I hope to be there with my dog Lola, but I remind Canberrans that they do not need a dog to walk. Simply registering and participating in the walk will assist RSPCA’s animal welfare efforts,” Mary concluded.

For more information visit www.millionpawswalk.com.au or call the RSPCA on 6287 8100.