Mapping the Northside – in Parliament
I spoke in parliament today about ‘Mapping the Northside’.
Mapping the Northside, 3 November 2011
There are many hidden and not so hidden gems in my electorate of Fraser. In partnership with the Belconnen Arts Centre, on 18 October I launched Mapping the Northside. Mapping the Northside is project where community members are invited to identify their favourite place on a two- by three- metre map of the Fraser electorate.
Community members can mark their spot with a drawing, photograph, collage, story or poem. This can be done online or at one of three creative sessions being facilitated by local artist Maryann Mussared on 29 October at the Belconnen Arts Centre, 5 November at Gorman House or 12 November at the Gungahlin Library. At the end of the project, the map will be taken down and used as the basis for a people’s map of the electorate of Fraser. These great spots in the north of the ACT deserve to be shared and celebrated within the community.
I would also I like to thank, for all their help and guidance: Hannah Semler, Director of the Belconnen Arts Centre; Philip Piggin; Evol McLeod; and Alyssa Hardy. A special mention also goes to Gus Little from my office for his hard work on this project.
Mapping the Northside runs until 17 November, and I cannot wait to see the precious gems that are unearthed.
My favourite place on the northside is Mulligans Flat where I can enjoy the bush attractions and the silence. I am a native plant enthusiast, a bird watcher, a field naturalist (amateur) and love walking for exercise.
My favourite spot on the northside is a yabby pond in the Majura Nature Park. As a child I played there, later wnet for walks there with family and loved ones and in 2009 the family scattered some of my dear mother’s ashes there as she loved it too and we had all spent quality time there with her.
How to pick! Last evening we drove up to Mt Ainslie to catch the last of the sunset and look out across Canberra. I love the view from there.
Last Sunday we enjoyed the Worldy Good 13th birthday concert at BAC. It was delightful sitting there with the setting sun casting colours across the sky and the Lake and seeing so many people enjoying themselves.
I love the drive along Ginninderra Drive (traveling east)just as you come over the hill with views over Downer, Watson, Hackett and Dickson. It is beautiful when late afternnon light throws a golden glow!
I miss my old neighbours in Downer (of 15 years). It’s a great little community with people keeping an eye out for each other and sharing homegrown foods.