Speech in the ACT Legislative Assembly

7 December 2009

Mr Speaker, last month I was very privileged to be able to attend the opening of the new Cassells Building at Marymead in Narrabundah by the Governor-General, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce.

It is the first substantial construction for 40 years at the Marymead Child and Family Centre.

Marymead was established in 1967 and it’s mission is: “caring for children, supporting families, building community.”

Marymead provides assistance to 1000 vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in the Canberra region.  The organisation’s 175 staff and 140 volunteers are tireless in their commitment to looking after those less fortunate in our community. 

Of course, like other charitable organisations, Marymead depends on the generosity of those in the community to deliver the vital services it does.

I would like to congratulate Ms Hilary Martin, the Chief Executive Officer, for her leadership of the organisation.  Ms Martin reflected on the generosity of the Canberra community last month:

The fact that such a building is even possible is a true reflection of the respect and appreciation that the Canberra community has for the work we do at Marymead.

Too often it is said that Canberra is a city without a soul.  But in this case, and so many other cases around our city and territory, we prove that this is most definitely not the case.

The entire construction of the Cassells building was funded by donations.

The Cassells Building is named in honour of Alice Patricia Cassells, who was very generous in bequeathing a large amount of money for the construction of the building.

In 2007, as part of 40th anniversary celebrations, the ‘buy-a-brick’ campaign was launched which enable further funds to be raised. 

Others individually sponsored the construction, and the Marymead Auxiliary also played a very important role in raising further funds.

I would like to pay tribute to all those who have contributed to the construction of such a wonderful facility.  It is an important addition to Marymead and will ensure that Marymead can help those vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community in an even more effective and sensitive way.

Christmas is now fast approaching and there are many Christmas Appeals across Canberra to provide some Christmas cheer for those who would otherwise not have much to enjoy at Christmas. 

Marymead has been busy organising one such appeal, and I would now like to mention some of the organisations and businesses that have been generous enough to contribute:

  • ACT Woodcraft Guild
  • Amaroo Pre-school
  • ANZ Business Bank
  • Australian Academy of Science
  • Australian Fisheries Authority
  • Australian Institute of Management
  • British High Commission
  • Brumbies Club Canberra
  • Calvary Hospital Social Club
  • Canberra Accueil
  • Canberra Quilters Inc.
  • Centrelink Canberra
  • Church of St Andrew
  • D&S Datafix
  • Dimension Data
  • Florist at Parliament House
  • GHD
  • Hawker Primary School
  • Infrastructure Division Social Club, Department of Defence
  • Intact
  • King Financial Services
  • Lions Club of Canberra Woden INC
  • Lyons Primary School
  • Macquarie Real Estate
  • Mountain View
  • Servcorp
  • Snedden Hall and Gallop Lawyers
  • Stepping Stones
  • St George Bank
  • Style Emporium
  • Swiss High Commission
  • The Hermitage
  • The Smith Family (ACT)
  • UnitingCare Kippax
  • Urambi Primary School
  • Westfield Belconnen
  • Westfield Woden
  • ZOO Design Advertising

I would also like to acknowledge:

  • Major Corporate Partner: Oakton
  • Community Partner: The Tradies, Canberra Southern Cross Club
  • Corporate Partners: Southern Cross Ten

Of course, anyone wishing to contribute to Marymead’s work can visit them at Goyder Street, Narrabundah, or visit their website at www.marymead.org.au.