Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge and thank Gwenneth and George Atherton for their significant and enduring contribution to the Canberra community, particularly in the Tuggeranong Valley. A few months ago I held a mobile office at the Lanyon Marketplace in my electorate and had the pleasure of meeting Gwenneth and George.

Every week for 12 years, Gwenneth and George have been setting up a stall at the marketplace selling handmade goods to raise money for local charities. Originally, the stall raised money for local girl Amy Woodhouse, who was battling cerebral palsy. The stall now raises money for the Malkara School in my electorate, and the funds have allowed the school to buy a talking machine and wheelchair.

But these two semi-retirees do not only devote their Saturdays to their community. Six years ago they set up a seniors group at the Mura Lanyon Community Centre at a time when there was nothing for aged Canberrans in the Lanyon area. The group now boasts about 40 members, and it is going from strength to strength. The group holds meetings, celebrates birthdays and organises events, which I have been emphatically told are all about education.

Gwenneth and George moved to Canberra 19 years ago. They originally came for six weeks, then ended up staying—and we are glad they did. On behalf of the Canberra community, particularly in the Tuggeranong Valley and Lanyon, I would like to thank and congratulate Gwenneth and George for their contribution and ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of so many.