Laservision Macro-Media
Page: 7098
The Hon. JAN BURNSWOODS: My question without notice is directed to the Treasurer, and Minister for State Development. Will the Minister inform that House about the recent success in Hong Kong of Western Sydney company Laservision Macro-Media?
The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN: I am pleased to advise the House that a Western Sydney company lit up this year's Chinese New Year celebrations not in Sydney but in Hong Kong in a way never seen before. Laservision Macro-Media, which is based in Baulkham Hills and is a member of the Government's Australian Technology Showcase, transformed Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour into a river of fire. Its symphony of light proved once again that the world comes to Sydney for expertise to stage the most spectacular pyrotechnic and lighting shows. Laservision Macro-Media's $50 million symphony of light was reported around the world as the most impressive event ever produced in Hong Kong. That is quite a claim.
Because of its success, Laservision Macro-Media opened an office in Hong Kong. Last year Laservision Macro-Media won the prestigious New South Wales Exporter of the Year award in the arts and entertainment category. The company exports its products and services throughout Asia, Europe and the United States of America. On 26 February this year the Australian Financial Review devoted a page to the company's Hong Kong triumph. It reported that the foreshores of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour were lit by hundreds of thousands of fireworks, lasers, fibre optics, flares and pulsing lights. Millions of people watched and listened to the show's sound, which was broadcast from viewing locations and ferries travelling to and from the city.
In a novel twist, thousands of people listened to the simulcast via mobile phones. Onlookers could hear the sound effects by dialling a dedicated number, no matter where they were viewing the show. Laservision Macro-Media was responsible for the entire concept, the design and the production. I remind honourable members that Laservision Macro-Media is a member of the Australian Technology Showcase. There are now 373 New South Wales companies in the 430-member showcase program. I congratulate Laservision Macro-Media's workers on their success in Hong Kong, and I congratulate the company on leading the way with this unique Australian technology.