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

Last week, the Ryde Lantern Club in my electorate of Bennelong celebrated 45 years of service. Volunteer workers at the Ryde Lantern Club raised funds for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. At their birthday luncheon last week, club president, Rosemary Costar, and treasurer, Lynn Anderson, handed over another cheque—this time for $59,100. The club would not be celebrating this milestone if not for their tireless efforts along with the work by Gloria Lardelli, Rose Rocca, James Clarke and Sue and Annette Lusty, just to name a few. The Ryde Lantern Club has raised nearly $2 million for the institute and CEO, Chris Rehn, was there to graciously accept another donation. Much of this funding is raised through Ryde Lantern Club's op shop in Church Road, Ryde, with its trusty, hardworking troupe of volunteers very committed to this great cause. I strongly applaud their efforts. The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children provide high quality education programs for over 800 children and their families Australia-wide. It is primarily dependent on community funding to continue making a difference to the lives of children with different forms of sensory impairment. The selfless work performed by charity organisations like the Ryde Lantern Club form the backbone of what makes the electorate of Bennelong and indeed our nation so special.