House debates

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Statements by Members

St Giles Society

1:52 pm

Photo of Geoff LyonsGeoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I rise today to put on record my thanks to the St Giles Society in Launceston. St Giles has allied health campuses in Hobart and Launceston, adult group homes in the north, south and north west, and in-home respite, as well as being a provider of multiple services for adults and children with disabilities. They recently celebrated their 75th year of service to the Tasmanian community. More than 200 people from around Tasmania and interstate gathered at St Giles's Amy Road, Newstead centre on Friday, February 8 to enjoy the 75th anniversary reunion. I am told that the reunion was a huge success, bringing together some people who had not seen each other since their school days and home days at St Giles in the sixties, seventies and eighties.

Wherever there is a need within the disability community, St Giles is there. It applies the ethos of 'whatever it takes' to make a positive difference. St Giles was founded by the community for the community, and this underpins everything they do. I thank the St Giles staff and volunteers for the work they do. I am a proud advocate of St Giles. I was most pleased that the federal government provided them with $6.8 million last year to continue the great work they do for our community.