Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Friday, 14 March I had the great pleasure of attending an International Women's Day award ceremony at Riverside Community Activity Centre in South Morang, together with your good self, Mr Deputy Speaker Mitchell—member for McEwen—and a number of state and local representatives, including Danielle Green, the member for Yan Yean, and Lily D'Ambrosio, the member for Mill Park.

This annual ceremony held in recognition of International Women's Day presents an award to local women who have made a significant contribution, and also a voluntary contribution, to our local community. The award is a celebration of women's achievements and their diverse experiences. I would like to acknowledge the invaluable efforts of all the nominees, all of whom have made a real impact on the communities of Melbourne's north: Pushpa Jayakody, Jasmine Ammoun, Robyn Liebelt, Aida Tadrus, Nejmiye Ayhan, Khamsa Hussein, Nessie Sayar, Sherien Tadros, Pam McLeod, Chandana Rao, Dorothy Challenger, Nancy Piez and Nadine Maher. I extend big congratulations to Deborah Patterson and Heather Fairweather in particular for receiving the Whittlesea International Women's Day award and for their selfless contribution to our community. They are, indeed, worthy winners.

The ceremony was very well attended and I have received many words commending the guest speakers, Pamela Curr, campaign coordinator of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, and Gianna Donato, community care coordinator for Encompass Care, for their inspiring speeches. I also note a wonderful performance from musician Rachel Shields. I extend my thanks to Maureen Corrigan, president of Whittlesea Community Connections and all involved.