John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to announce a special birthday coming up in Bennelong. The City of Ryde Eisteddfod is about to turn 30, a wonderful milestone that all involved should be proud of. Since 1988, the Ryde Eisteddfod has been a fantastic initiative that contributes to the vibrancy of our local community. For 30 years, it has brought people together through music, performance, creating much joy. Countless lifelong friendships have been made over the years and many great memories. The Ryde Eisteddfod has been so successful over the years thanks to the work of its volunteers. Our local community is tremendously grateful for their efforts. Being a non-profit volunteer-run organisation, we all appreciate the generous businesses, clubs and individuals from our local community who have donated both time and money, which allows the Ryde Eisteddfod to award prizes and scholarships each year.

Additionally, I would like to express my thanks to the various coordinators from each section that help make the events run smoothly, including: Roseanna Gallo, popular vocal coordinator; Helen Merrick, choral coordinator; Brenton Paix, strings coordinator; Helen Larson, classical vocal coordinator; Jenny Massingham, dance coordinator; Leo Dent—no relationship to Phil Dent, piano coordinator; Gabrielle O'Donnell, speech coordinator; Suzanne Maslen, instrumental coordinator; Fran Barker, sponsorship secretary; and Edna Wilde, OAM, chair and seniors coordinator.