Over 250 guests enjoyed the celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations at the Commonwealth Day lunch held on Monday 14 March at NSW Parliament House.
The theme of the Commonwealth in 2011 is “Women as Agents of Change”.
The Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker, Her Excellency, Prof Marie Bashir AC, CVO, Governor of NSW spoke on her role as Governor of NSW. She outlined some of her experiences and the great achievements of our young people-‘the ‘richness of our land and the young people who provide a glimpse of the richness of the future of this land. The celebration of the Commonwealth is a celebration of who we are’.
As Governor of NSW, Her Excellency said one of the highlights was meeting with the young people across the State sighting some examples as the young aboriginal from the Riverina area playing the cello; the ambassadors and mentors who are assisting young people and their familiar who are not so fortunate and the Australian Indigenous Program which has been established to assist indigenous students to go into University.
Her Excellency was also impressed by the young people who are engaging across the world with ‘young Australian doing extraordinary things’- the young woman who was travelling and stopped in Mongolia. This is where she stayed and set up an orphanage which is now being supported by firms in Australia who are paying for education, leading to employment and building the affluence in the country.
‘The dreams and ideals of our young people are having an enormous implication for nations in other Countries’….Her Excellency received a standing ovation at the conclusion of her presentation.
Her Excellency also presented Her Majesty’s Message for 2011 which is available by clicking here.
Our MC, well known radio broadcaster, Mr Alan Jones AO provided a wonderful professional dimension to the lunch.
The Debate
Leading into the lunch was a debate, held in the Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament House, between students from NSW Public Schools and the Archdale Team.
The debate topic ‘that affirmative action is needed to make Women as Agents of Change’ was won by the affirmative team – NSW Public Schools. The winning team won $200 each with the runner-up team (Archdale team) receiving $100 each. The prize money was kindly donated by Hon Max Willis RFD ED CSI, former President of the Legislative Council.
The NSW Public School team consisted of students from Northern Beaches Secondary College, Manly Campus, Caringbah High School and Sydney Boys High School. The Archdale team consisted of students from MLC School, Abbotsleigh and SCEGGS, Darlinghurst.
The Flag Bearers
Our guests moved through the 53 flags of the Commonwealth held by students from year 6-9 from Lucas Heights Community School. This was the first time the school has participated in the event and they enjoyed every moment with Her Excellency also enjoying the young generation of the future.
The Performers
The Guard of Honour and Vice-Regal salute was performed by the Scots College Pipes and Drums. Her Excellency inspected the Hour Guard before proceeding into the Commonwealth Day lunch.
The National Anthem was performed by Anja Nissen, a year 10 student at Winmalee High School. Anja also entertained guest with a special version of “Climb every Mountain”.
Anja is evolving into a world class performer with already interest internationally from overseas managers and events co-ordinators. Anja has appeared on shows such as Australia’s Got Talent, Kerri Anne Kennerly, Sunrise and ABC’s coverage of the Schools Spectacular.
In December, last year Anja flew to LA on a 21 day study and performance trip with the Australian Institute of Performing Arts.
In addition, there was a spontaneous rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’ led by one of the guest at the lunch.
The Sydney Girls High School Quartet provided the background music during the lunch. The Quartet is comprised of members of the NSW Public School senior string ensemble.
The Tom Harvey Award for Citizenship
This year, the Tom Harvey Award was presented to Robert Ma.
Robert Ma initiated a free tutoring program for disadvantaged high school students of Indigenous or disadvantaged backgrounds in the South Sydney area encircling the Redfern/Waterloo area.
Robert liaised with TAFE to create a tailored program to train enthusiastic university students to become volunteer tutors and mentors to these young people.
The mentors/tutors spend 2-3 hours a week with their student providing help and assistance in doing their homework and supporting them in their approach to their subjects. They also offer guidance and assistance for vocational of higher education training, an aspect initially seen to be overwhelming or out of reach for these students.
Robert and the team of tutors/mentors have the backing of the counseling resources of the South Sydney Youth Services group.
In addition, Robert is working with St Vincent’s Hospital to get medical equipment donated to assist the Solomon Islands for much needed beds and equipment in their country.
Robert is medical student at University of NSW/ St Vincent’s Hospital.
His experience in Brazil realised he had to do something for the poorer community as he was shocked by the poverty which co-exists along side with the rich and how disadvantaged the poor really were.
The Major Sponsor
Southern Highlands Wines is the major sponsor for Commonwealth Day Council of NSW and provided fine wines for lunch at Parliament House.Women, agents of change
Click here for more information on the Commonwealth and its theme 'Women, agents of change'.Future events
Please keep visiting this website for further information on future events of the Commonwealth Day Council of NSW.
