LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SEAT: LAUNCESTON PARTY: INDEPENDENT
ADVISORY: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the the content of this page contains the names of deceased persons.
Special Interest Speech - Ralda 'Topsy' Freiboth
29 June 2021
Ralda 'Topsy' Freiboth turned 100 years old in 2021. Remarkably, Topsy still lives independently at home and makes the 1km walk to the shop and back home every day. I spent some time with Ralda to celebrate her birthday and talk a little bit about her amazing life.
Special Interest Speech - Ariarne Titmus
24 August 2021
Ariarne Titmus was chosen to represent Australia at the Tokyo Olympics and won two gold medals for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle events. In the 400m freestyle, not only did Ariarne win the gold, she edged out the world record holder, American Katie Ledecky, by less than a second for a final finishing time of 3 minutes and 56.69 seconds, a Commonwealth record. Not completely done with her achievements, Ariarne went on to set an Olympic record for the 200m freestyle for a time of 1 minute and 53.5 seconds.
Special Interest Speech - Hazara Afghan Community
21 September 2021
The Hazara population, hailing from Hazarajat, is one of the most persecuted demographics in Afghanistan. Following the harrowing withdrawal of American and allied forces from Afghanistan in the middle of 2021, the plight for Hazaras worsened. In Launceston, many Hazaras have found their home and were obviously very concerned about the unfolding situation in their homeland.
Special Interest Speech - 75th Anniversary of the Launceston Ionian Club
26 October 2021
October 2021 marked 75 years of the Launceston Ionian Club, the first of its kind in the world. the Ionian Club is an Australia wide women's social network which provides an opportunity to make new friends. The first Ionian Club was founded by Phyllis McDonald in Launceston on 3 October 1946. New to Launceston, Phyllis experienced the loneliness and isolation many women feel when moving somewhere new. Here's to another 75 years.
Special Interest Speech - Northern Tasmanian Netball Association
9 November 2021
The NTNA encourages, fosters, promotes, develops, extends, governs and helps to control the sport of netball throughout northern Tasmania. It coordinates, it encourages, assists and supports legitimacy of the constituent bodies of the association, a number of teams and their cooperation with each other.
Special Interest Speech - Mamma Mia: an Encore Theatre Production
16 November 2021
Mamma Mia is a production which has been over two years in the making. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this production was put on hold and Encore Theatre Company needed to find a way to restart operations with a bang. Mamma Mia ran for two weeks over October and November 2021 and it was an incredible show. A huge congratulations to everyone involved.
Special Interest Speech - Tribute to Aunty Phyllis Pitchford
24 November 2021
ADVISORY: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the transcript and video contains the name of deceased persons.
Aunty Phyllis Pitchford was a stalwart of the Tasmanian community and was a mentor to many young Aboriginal Tasmanians. Her dedication to her people, her community and her culture was expressed through her love of creativity, which inspired us all.