Nicole Lawder MLA, Member for Brindabella, ACT Legislative Assembly
Scot MacDonald MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast, Parliament of NSW
Chris Picton MP, Member for Kaurna, Parliament of SA
Invite you to
Enjoy breakfast and help raise awareness & funds for Obstetric Fistula
Mabinti Centre, Tanzania
In May 2014, Nicole, Scot and Chris visited the Mabinti Centre in Tanzania, whilst on a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation, to see firsthand the extraordinary project at the CCBRT Hospital, Dar es Salaam.
Young women who were once outcasts in their own communities throughout Tanzania, are recovering from fistula surgery and alongside their rehabilitation program, are being trained in screenprinting, sewing, beading and crochet.
Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged labour without prompt medical intervention. The woman is left with chronic incontinence and in most cases a stillborn baby.
These young women are transformed into healthy, happy. thriving and confident members of their communities through this sustainable endeavour.
The course runs for a year, and trainees develop the knowledge and skills needed to establish an income and become financially independent. At the end of their course each graduate is supplied with a starter kit containing a sewing machine, scissors, a supply of fabric and a calculator. Graduating, the Mabinti women are ready and equipped to start their own business.
Nicole, Scot and Chris together would like to raise awareness of this issue in a bi-partisan event and to assist CCBRT with this very important life-changing project for women in need worldwide.
All proceeds go to the Mabinti Centre in Tanzania. To attend please go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mabinti-centre-tanzania-fundraiser-tickets-19138872884
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
The Barr government needs to explain why it has purchased ageing properties in O’Connor for public housing tenants at a cost of $2.5 million, while at the same time it continues to run the argument that ageing properties along Northbourne Avenue need to be demolished, Shadow Minister for Housing Nicole Lawder said today.
“The Barr government needs to admit that the real reason they’re offloading Northbourne Avenue public housing stock is to suit their light rail agenda, not because they’re ageing,” Ms Lawder said.
“Today in the Assembly Minister Berry confirmed that Housing ACT recently purchased a property in O'Connor for public housing at a cost of $2.5 million. That property was built in 1958, making it 57 years old. This suggests the government isn’t too concerned about ageing public housing stock.
“Much of the Northbourne Avenue public housing such Owen Flats, was also built around this time and is a prime example of ageing stock, but it’s apparently not good enough for the government. The fact is the government has allowed public housing along Northbourne Avenue to decay.
“The government is buying properties built in the 1950s for public housing while at the same time demolishing public housing properties in the same area that were also built in the 1950s. This government is saying one thing about renewal and doing another. Minister Berry needs to explain,” Ms Lawder concluded.
Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432
Thursday, 24 September 2015
Today Member for Brindabella Nicole Lawder will move to make the Legislative Assembly’s proceedings more accessible for Deaf Canberrans.
“Today I will move an amendment to the Legislative Assembly’s standing orders which will allow Auslan interpreters onto the floor of the Assembly when it’s in session. Currently special permission needs to be sought to allow an interpreter,” Ms Lawder said today.
“I’ve been advocating for better access for Deaf and hearing impaired people and allowing interpreters onto the floor is a step in the right direction. An Auslan interpreter would be particularly important during emergency situations.
“I employ a Deaf person in my office and understand the communication barriers they face day to day. As an Assembly we need to lead by example.
“In International Week of the Deaf this change is especially relevant.
“I look forward to the government’s support for this simple and logical change to allow Auslan interpreters onto the floor of the Assembly and hope it leads to better information accessibility for Deaf people,” Ms Lawder concluded.
Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432
Thursday, 24 September 2015
Disappointingly, the Barr government has not supported the Canberra Liberals move to allow AUSLAN interpreters onto the Assembly floor without special permission today, Member for Brindabella Nicole Lawder said today.
“The Barr government chose not to support my motion to allow Auslan interpreters. It’s a simple and logical change to Assembly rules, paving the way for Deaf people to access information from the Assembly. It could have been dealt with today,” Ms Lawder said.
“Instead of supporting this move the government has referred the amendment to standing orders to the Admin and Procedure Committee. I can’t understand why the Barr government wouldn’t want to support information access for Deaf people in Canberra immediately.
“I hope Andrew Barr examines his conscience on this issue. I understand the difficulties Deaf people face in accessing information on a daily basis. Allowing Auslan interpreters into the Assembly would have been a simple move and the government should have supported it today,” Ms Lawder concluded.
Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432
Canberra Times Media Release Sunday 20 September 2015
Latest Media Releases
-
Arts policy fails to deliver real support for struggling local artists
01 Sep
28 July 2022 ACT Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne today released “Canberra: Australia’s Arts...
-
ACT Budget fails Canberra's Women
29 Oct
Friday 29 October 2021 Estimates hearings this afternoon have exposed the Labor-Greens...
-
Gas Hypocrisy in ACT Crematoriums
29 Oct
18 October 2021 This morning's Estimates questioning from Shadow Minister for City Services Nicole...
Authorised by Nicole Lawder, Canberra Liberals, 4/50 Geils Court Deakin ACT 2600