Last month Mary attended the launch of the Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) at the ACT legislative Assembly, the only national campaign aimed at raising awareness and the understanding of youth homelessness in Australia.
The launch included a display of art work, created by young people experiencing homelessness, at a series of art workshops held in March and April.
Recently Mary attended the official opening of the Belconnen Community Men's Shed in Page.
The Shed is auspiced by the Mosaic Baptist Church in Belconnen, which donated the land beside their Community Centre in Page, on which the Shed is built.
In February 2011, a committee was formed to create a place where Men could meet and share their stories and skills with one another. Thanks to donations from industry, the Mosaic Baptist Church and members of the community, this project has finally come to completion.
Mary recently made opening remarks at the “Keeping older people and their pets together: supporting older pet owners at home,” information session that was hosted by the Pets and Aged Care Steering Group, at the Hughes Community Centre.
The Pets and Aged Care Steering Group was formed in mid 2011 as a direct result of the “A Conversation on Pets and Aged Care” forum that Mary hosted at the ACT Legislative Assembly in May of that year.
Recently Mary was invited to Government House to bid farewell to the former Governor-General, Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
Mary was invited to the farewell as a guest of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards (ACT), for which she officiated twice last year on behalf of the ACT Government, and of which the Governor General was the national and ACT patron.
“I have met the former Governor-General on a number of occasions, as have other members of my family,” Mary said. “I can confirm that she is indeed a most gracious woman, and in my experience, remained most humble in that role.”
The Riverview Group has opened their shopfront at the Kippax Shops and it is now open to visitors to come and have a look the proposed developments in West Belconnen.
Mary attended a community feedback session on Saturday morning and encourages other interested members of the community to come along and have their say on the project. It is a good opportunity for the community to give feedback and have input into the planning of their suburb, in the early stages of the project.
On Saturday 23 February the Canberra and Area Theatre Awards were held at Llewellyn Hall. The Awards are a chance to promote live theatre and recognise outstanding talent from across the region. Mary, speaking as patron of the awards, was pleased to announce this year’s Professional Development Scholarship winner.
At the National Press Club on Thursday 20 February, Mary joined a diverse contingent of media, academics and dignitaries in witnessing the installation of Dr Tom Calma AO as Chancellor of the University of Canberra.
Last year Joshua Goyne, (Josh as he known as by his friends), set out to tackle a 679km ride from Canberra to Bourke Street, Melbourne, to raise money for stroke awareness in honour of his late grandfather who died from a number of strokes.
For a long time, Josh has been very busy promoting his cause and he has raised over $15,000 and plans to reach his goal of $20,000; he is still receiving donations after completing his ride last year.
“I have known Josh for many years now and I am extremely proud of his many achievements in many fields, Mary said.
Last month Mary cut the ribbon to officially open the new Hands In Cafe at ACT Basketball Centre in Oatley Court, Belconnen. The Hands In Cafe is a new and exciting venture that is the first of its kind in Canberra as it offers people with disability real work and real jobs.
The Cafe offers nationally recognised training along with real workplace experience to ensure they have the necessary abilities to move towards self employment and self empowerment.
On Sunday 23, February Mary attended the end of season function for Canberra United. The team narrowly missed out on a grand final berth, going down to Brisbane Roar in the semi-final.
During their impressive season, Canberra conceded just 8 goals in 12 regular season games. Defensive players featured prominently in the awards, including American recruit, Kendall Fletcher (pictured above), who won the Players’ player award.