Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the past week or so, I've enjoyed celebrating some fabulous achievements in the Tasmanian community. For instance, on the weekend before last, I was privileged to be invited to Margaret Elliott's 100th birthday party at the Brighton RSL near Hobart. Margaret is the last living member of the Australian Women's Land Army in Tasmania. The event was a wonderful celebration of her life, the great work the land army did and the important role Margaret played in it.

At the other end of the age spectrum, last week I also had the lovely opportunity of speaking with students from years 4, 5 and 6 at Mount Stuart Primary School. I was greatly impressed by this happy, bright bunch of kids and their enthusiasm for learning. It fills me with confidence in younger Australians.

Finally, I was also thrilled last week to present more than 80 students at Hobart City High School with their bronze level Duke of Edinburgh awards. I understand Hobart high is the first Tasmanian school to make the award available to all students in the same year, providing a wonderful opportunity for learning, development and skill building. Good on them all!

These three events reminded me of the richness of the Tasmanian community. It was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of its residents, from some of the youngest to one of the oldest.