Event Photos

Recently Mary attended Liz Dawson’s book launch of Where is My Eyebrow? which tells of her amazing life journey and the overnight loss of her sight.

Mary has known Liz for many years since her time as CEO of Volunteering ACT. In recognition of her services to the community, Ms Dawson has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.

“I have always admired her dedication and commitment to the community generally, as well as the homeless in particular. I find Liz to be a truly inspirational woman, Mary said.

Last month Mary attended the 40th Birthday of Evatt Primary School where a time capsule from 2004 was opened and items, such as old school uniforms and letters, were displayed. Contemporary items were then placed inside the capsule to be opened again in 2024.

During the celebration, Mary was invited to speak, congratulating the school on its achievements over the years. Parents, teachers and students, past and present, were in attendance and were treated to a musical journey through the 40 years of history by each class in turn.

Last month on behalf of the ACT Government, Mary attended the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Federation’s move into the Stephen King Memorial Centre at Burkitt Street, Page. The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Peter Cosgrove, also attended as a guest speaker at the commemorative service.

“It was amazing to see how much the Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Federation has accomplished over the past 10 years, their centre and Men’s Shed has been achieved solely by the hard work of volunteers and donors, Mary said.

Recently Mary attended a community open day that was hosted at Capital Chemist Charnwood.

The pharmacy showcased an impressive range of services that they offer, including wound management, medication reviews, mobility equipment, continence advice as well as a free maternal and child health clinic.

“It was great to see that Charnwood Capital Chemist is not just an outlet where people buy over-the-counter and prescription medicines, but also a place which provides the community with other primary health care services,” Mary said.

In late May Mary opened an art exhibition by the Ginar Maliyan Mob, at the Belconnen Community Services,

The Ginar Maliyan Mob is a community group that is led by Duncan Smith, and works with young Indigenous people to introduce them to their culture through art, dance, music, leadership, respect, caring for community, confidence and self-pride. The organisation relies purely on community support and fundraising.

Recently Mary officially opened the Covenant Care at Holy Trinity Southside Day Hospice in Curtin- a non-denominational centre which offers one day a week activities for people with terminal illness.

This South-side service comes a year after the Holy Covenant Anglican Church in Jamison started providing similar services for clients in the North-side.

Recently Mary joined Andrew Leigh, Member for Fraser, at the Hawker Primary School’s Autumn Fete held early last month where they both assisted with the raffle draw.

The Annual Autumn Fete is run by the Parents and Citizens association, along with assistance from the school, and has helped raise funds in recent years to update computers, build a multi-purpose sports court, establish ICT equipment and contribute to learning materials both in and out of the classroom.

Recently Mary hosted a morning tea for the Tohoku Youth Program, a group of young people made orphans by the tragic tsunami in 2011.

The Tohoku Youth Program, run by the Australia-Japan Society Inc in the Canberra, assists the young Japanese people made orphans by the disastrous earthquake and tsunami to enjoy a short holiday in Canberra. During their visit, the young people are home-stayed in pairs with generous families in Canberra.

Recently Mary launched the Motorcycle Riders Association (MRA) Blanket Run on the steps of old Parliament house, now known as the Museum of Democracy.

It is an annual event to raise money and goods for those doing it tough over winter. For 30 years, the MRA brings together motorcyclists and the general community who donate money, new warm blankets, non-perishable foods and second hand motorcycle jackets to be distributed by The Salvation Army.