Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security and Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Rocked by the tragic news that their beloved kindy teacher, Mrs Ianna, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had only months left with her family, including her three-year-old and her six-year-old, the Torrens Primary School community turned their grief into something positive. They got the Canberra community together for a night of friendship, food and entertainment to raise funds to fulfil Mrs Ianna's wish to take her family to Alice Springs. Last week, the community raised more than $10,000 to make Mrs Ianna's wish come true. It was an extraordinary effort by extraordinary people for an extraordinary woman, and it showcased the generosity and big hearts of the people of Canberra.

Today I want to say bravo and thanks to Amber Nichols and the brilliant performers on the night; A Bite To Eat in Chifley, for hosting the event and organising their suppliers, including Foodlink, Regional fruit and veg, and Two Birds Brewery, to donate food and drinks; The Chifley Grocer, for donating the proceeds from all coffees, milkshakes and ice creams; Virgin Australia, for flying the family to Alice Springs at no charge; Elite Event Technology, for supplying the stage and sound; Genplus, for supplying the generator; The Bravery media and PR, for pro bono publicity services; The Republic of Everyone, for designing the amazing flyer; Heartstory photography, for donating a complimentary family portrait; and Flash printing in Fyshwick. I'm so proud of everyone involved. Thank you so much.