Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy Speaker, you might know Beechworth, one of the favourite visiting places for many members of parliament. How absolutely honoured I was last Friday to open the Writers, Readers and Poets' Weekend, which was a great activity. Today in this place I would like to acknowledge the Beechworth Arts Council, the many sponsors and the organising committee for the fantastic job they did, bringing together speakers, film, playwrights, workshops, readers, actors and artists, and showcasing some amazing poetry, writing and film.

Particularly, thank you to Indigo Shire Council, WAW Credit Union, the George Kerford Hotel, Pennyweight Wineries, the State Library of Victoria and the University of Melbourne School of Culture and Communications. It was great to have your support.

It would not have been such a wonderful weekend without the actual hard work and dedication of the committee. Thanks to all those involved. Thanks to Jamie, for your fantastic leadership. Thanks to Michael; Jude; Olga; Inga; Helen McIntyre and her husband, David; Helen Murray; Lesley; Ann; and Daren John Pope for all their hours of work.

I have to say, the absolute favourite of mine was last Friday night at May Day Hills garden, walking around those magnificent trees, reading poetry. That has to be one of the really special parts of this job, followed by the artwork of Wooragee Primary School. Fantastic work, everybody. Thanks for making Indi such a magnificent place for artists.