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Every year, when Mary is able, she joins the Honk Kong Economic and Trade Office in celebrating the Chinese New Year at a reception, this year held at the National Gallery of Australia.

The reception gave everyone the opportunity to recognise the close relationships between Australia and Hong Kong, particularly in relation to trade, economic
development and tourism.

Those that attended were treated to the appearance of the traditional Chinese lion and Chinese clowns.

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Vale Bede

Recently Mary farewelled two fine citizens who have contributed so much to the community, attending Bede Tongs’ funeral on 27 January and Sylvie Stern’s on the following day.

Retired Captain Bede Tongs OAM MM died on 14 January after a battle with cancer. He was a veteran of World War II who served in Papua New Guinea nine times, including being decorated with the Military Medal for action on the Kokoda Track. Bede worked hard over the last few years to raise awareness of what happened at Kokoda. He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014.

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Recently Mary attended the Construction Industry Training Council Awards Ceremony where two young apprentices jointly accepted the Award for Outstanding Graduating Apprentice of the Year.

The award ceremony, held at Thoroughbred Park, has been running for the past 12 years and this was the first year where the award was handed to two recipients, a sheet metal worker and a carpenter.

‘It was great to see that we have such outstanding young apprentices that the judges were unable to select just one overall winner!’ Mary said

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Recently Mary attended the opening of the Trauma Recovery Centre or Melaleuca Place established in a former gardener’s cottage on the edge of Dickson College. Melaleuca Place is a unique multi-disciplined therapeutic service for children and young people, aged 0-12 years, who have suffered from abuse and neglect.

The services are delivered by a professional support team of clinicians and therapists and provide a safe and healing place for these young children subject to so much suffering.

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Last month Mary opened the Southeast Asian Art and Cultural Exhibition at the Legislative Assembly to celebrate 40 years of the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) dialogue partnership with Australia. The exhibition showcased an array of art and artefacts from all the associated countries, including small samples from each culture.

The reception was officially launched when Mary hit the gong and visitors were then able to enjoy delicious food and performances, again representing the ASEAN Nations.

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Last month Mary attended the announcement of the winner of the Freefall Experience design ideas competition which was held at the National Arboretum’s Pin Oak Forest.

The competition, sponsored by Engineers Australia, received overwhelming interest from designers with 33 high quality submissions received across the country.

The $30,000 prize was awarded to Queensland firm Bligh Tanner for the winning design featuring a transparent flowing sculpture of stainless steel inspired by the cochlear implant.

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