Trent Zimmerman (North Sydney, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Our national capital is linked to parts of my own electorate through the visionary hands of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin. Just as they shaped Canberra as the bush capital, so the Griffins were responsible for the celebrated planning and architecture of Castlecrag. Their vision was for a suburb created in harmony with the area's natural bushland and founded in a strong sense of community.

In the early 1930s Marion Mahoney Griffin established the Haven Valley Scenic Theatre to help bring the community together. The theatre was formed by the landscape of a Castlecrag gully and allowed theatregoers to witness productions under moonlight and the stars, surrounded by majestic eucalypts and the colour of wattle blooms.

Sadly, the theatre fell into disrepair, but was salvaged through the efforts of the local community in the mid-1970s. Today the community is again rallying to ensure its future. I was therefore thrilled to be able to attend the Sydney premiere of a spectacular circus opera, The Carnival, at the Chatswood Concourse to help raise funds for the rebuilding of the Haven amphitheatre stage.

The three performances raised over $58,000, and I want to congratulate all those involved in what was a major undertaking. Willoughby Council has allocated funds for the restoration of the Haven, which will need to be matched by contributions from the community. Their attendance at The Carnival demonstrates just how committed residents are to achieving this goal. I hope it will not be too long before the Haven once again is restored to its unique place in the community and cultural life of our city.

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