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The establishment of a bulk billing medical co-operative moved a step closer recently with the formation meeting of the West Belconnen Health Co-Operative.

The public meeting confirmed the new constitution and elected an inaugural board of nine. At the first meeting board meeting Roger Nichol was elected as Chair continuing on from that role on the steering committee.

In October 2004 a group of concerned North West Belconnen residents held a public meeting to discuss the lack of medical services for residents in Charnwood, Flynn, Fraser, Macgregor and Latham.

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Recently Mary officially opened a new bike skills track at Charnwood-Dunlop School in conjunction with the Ride or Walk to School initiative. The bike skills track was developed by the students’ leadership team as a response to students wanting more outdoor activity and, at the same time, incorporating their keen interest in bikes.

The track has been designed by local contractor, Darren Stewart of Makin’ Trax, while the landscaping was installed by local company, Out and About Landscaping.

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Recently Mary attended the 2015 ACT Schools Constitutional Convention which provided invaluable experience to year 11 students in becoming better leaders and more adept thinkers and speakers.

The Convention, themed environmental issues, allowed students to explore contemporary constitutional issues, research the importance of the Australian Constitution to Australian democracy and debate contemporary Australian political issues.

“It was a lovely day filled with such bright-minded students speaking on important environmental issues, Mary said.

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Recently Mary attended the Royal Society for the Blind and the Canberra Blind Society (RSB CBS) Overview launch of adaptive technology. The event is an annual expo that demonstrates technology that is specifically designed to enable people who are blind or have low vision to be independent and safe at home, to participate in the work place and in their community, playing an important part in assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision to lead the lives they choose.

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Recently Mary attended the ACT Lifeline Volunteer Dinner to thank over 250 dedicated volunteers who volunteer their time to support Lifeline in providing their amazing 24/7 assistance to those in need.

The Christmas in July themed night was full of festivities, including dance performance from Casablanca Enterprises. The night ended with everyone receiving a small present from under the Christmas tree.

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Last month Mary previewed the Right Here Right Now: Children & Young People Seen + Heart art installation which kicked off the first day of National Youth Week 2015. The project was also launched in unison with the 25th Anniversary of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child which recognises the importance of our young people.

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Last month Mary joined Joy Burch MLA, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, to turn the first sod to commence the construction of a new co-located Ambulance, Fire and Rescue station at Aranda.

The new station, which will replace two existing stations near the Belconnen Town Centre, is strategically located to better serve the needs and expectations of the community to provide a timely response to emergencies.

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Recently Mary attended the music event ‘Songs for Emma’ dedicated to young people who have suffered abuse throughout their lives. The event was held at the Reception Room at the Legislative Assembly and was a result of a project part of CREATE Foundation’s support of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

“It was a privilege to be there to listen to the wonderful contribution of all the young people in memory of Emma, Mary said.

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Last month, both as a patron and as an awards presenter, Mary attended the highly prestigious Canberra Theatre Awards (CAT) at Llewellyn Hall, ANU.

The Awards night also celebrated 20 years of continuous service to the performing arts in Canberra and the region of Southern New South Wales.

Mary had the great honour of presenting Olivia Fisher and James Court with the 2015 Mary Porter Professional Development Scholarship, this is the third year of the scholarship with Pete Ricardo and Thomas Walsh awarded in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

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Last month Mary attended the Canberra Symphony Orchestra Shell Prom 2015, themed the Touch of Tartan, held in the glorious gardens of Government House.

Performances on the day included many well loved British classical favourite works, a stunning performance by 18 year old maestro Anna Da Silva Chen (pictured) as well as a piece for the bagpipes.

The arrival of storm clouds and persistent showers didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the large crowd, which showed its warm appreciation of our Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

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