Joanne Ryan (Lalor, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to join with the member for Wills to express my sympathy and support to Liz Jones, a national treasure, who has been at La Mama for as long as any of us can remember. It was with sadness that we read in the weekend papers about the fire that has destroyed what was an absolutely iconic theatre space in Melbourne. It was important on the cultural landscape not just for Victoria and not just for Melbourne. It was a national treasure. It was a place where artists, writers and directors knew they could tell a natural Australian story in a natural Australian space. It is about grassroots theatre, and it always has been. We all know that David Williamson cut his teeth at La Mama Theatre, and he said he would not be a national treasure were it not for this theatre. There are many others who can say they got their start at the La Mama Theatre—hundreds of them. I join with the member for Wills in remembering my days at Melbourne University and Melbourne State College and the times that I spent there. I co-wrote a play that was produced at La Mama Theatre. So, for me, this is a personal thing. I ask all members to get behind this and make sure we see La Mama rise from the ashes.