Lismore Electorate Community Events
Page: 7967
Mr GEORGE (Lismore) [5.50 p.m.]: I am sure that I speak for everyone on this side of the House in supporting the comments in relation to Andrew Ettingshausen, or ET as we all know him. Tonight I highlight the diversity of the Lismore electorate and activities that help to make the electorate a better place in which to live. On Saturday 22 July I had the pleasure of being guest of honour at the RSM Club Community Debutante Ball. My wife, Rhonda, and I had the honour of receiving the 18 lovely debutantes and their partners. Proceeds from the ball went to support local nursing homes and the local aged community.
The following weekend I had the pleasure of attending a function called Getting to Know You. The function was started 15 years ago by Jean Matthews and her friend Norm Jones. It is about getting nursing home patients and disabled people out for a day each month to get to know each other. Fifteenth anniversary celebrations were held at the South Lismore Bowling Club. About 150 people got together for old-time dancing, morning tea and an anniversary cake, which I had the pleasure of cutting.
Ms Nori: Did you dance?
Mr GEORGE: Yes, and I played the piano as well. Jean is nearly 78 herself and she has won two awards from the New South Wales Premier. It is remarkable for someone to have one award but Jean has already been recognised twice by the Premier. Jean had formed a similar group at Broken Hill. Jean and Norm formed the Lismore group for the lonely people. She felt that there was nowhere in the electorate of Lismore for people to get together. What keeps Jean and Norm going is the enjoyment of the people who come along. Jean and Norm, even at their ages, are still keen to keep the group going. It would break their hearts if it stopped. I witnessed the excitement, pleasure and enjoyment of the older and disabled people. My father-in-law was invited. He has had a stroke and is in a wheelchair but he enjoyed the dances as well. Jean and Norm have got the community together. The proceeds from the ball will flow through to the community. Norm Jones and Jean Matthews certainly deserve to be congratulated on their work.
Another function held in the electorate that supports the community and that has become an annual event also celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, the Bentley Art Prize. Bentley is situated on the main road between Lismore and Kyogle. The competition is renowned throughout the area. It lasts for three days and is organised by Reg Hartley, his wife and family on behalf of the Bentley Hall Trust. Proceeds go to the Westpac lifesaver helicopter rescue service. The art is displayed around the Bentley Hall in a country market situation with wine and cheese tastings and displays of local products. The Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism is at the table. She would have been proud to attend. I will have to arrange an invitation for her to attend next year.
Ms Nori: Only if you will dance with me.
Mr GEORGE: I will dance with you for sure. The fifteenth annual Bentley Art Prize was an outstanding success. Rosebank artist Robin Kitching won the open painting first prize with his thought-provoking Welcome to the Pentagon piece. I congratulate all the people involved on making the Lismore electorate a better place to live.
Ms NORI (Port Jackson—Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism) [5.55 p.m.]: I thank the honourable member for Lismore, Mr Thomas George, for his contribution and congratulate the local community on the Getting to Know You project. The fact that it has operated for 15 years must bring a great deal of joy and pride to the community of Lismore. It says a lot about the community that it takes the time and trouble to care about its elderly. It is good that the young people at the debutante ball used the opportunity to raise funds at this very worthwhile function. I am particularly pleased that the Getting to Know You function included dancing. I would be delighted to attend the function next year if the honourable member can get me an invitation.