Page 7 - View-Matters-November-2023
P. 7
Panel of Inspirational
Australians
Friday’s afternoon session Clair Andersen,
featured the Panel of Inspirational Aboriginal Higher
Australians, facilitated by Wendy Education Advisor
Kennedy, Executive Officer of the at the University
Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association. of Tasmania (and
The diverse panel guests were Lara Hobart VIEW Club
Giddings, former Premier and now member); and Dr
CEO of AMA Tasmania; Dr Michelle Alison Alexander,
Heupel, Director of Australia’s historian and author.
Integrated Marine Observing With wide-ranging
system (IMOS) and marine experiences and life stories,
science researcher; Deborah the panellists presented
Wace, Tasmanian botanical artist, a stimulating and thought-
fabric designer and professional provoking discussion leaving
printmaker; Associate Professor attendees with much to reflect on.
Social dinners
In true VIEW style, the two
themed social dinners on
Friday night featured superb
live entertainment that saw
attendees out of their chairs
and dancing well into the
night. At the Ahoy Matey’s
dinner, a crew of pirates,
sailors, cutthroats and
buccaneers (plus a stunning
mermaid and an octopus)
were joined by The Stranded
Wailers who sang traditional
sea shanties to get everyone in
a seafaring mood. At The Great
Gatsby dinner, guests came in
elegant gowns with glitz, glamour
and feather boas in true 1920s
style. A local dance group gave an
exhibition of the Charleston and
other dance movements of the era.
Alex, former Learning for school. Because of this, with
her own money, mum could make
for Life student sure we had books, art supplies
and other activities at home. That
support meant that we could have
“Recently mum told me that when enrichment at home as well as
I started high school she was, ‘just school.
going through the motions trying I’m a full-time teacher now. I have
to stay afloat and keep the house’ a deep yearning to give someone
while trying to raise four children. else the support I had growing up.
In those years she didn’t work. I don’t think there’s anything else
A family friend helped her sign that can fill me with such fierce
up for the Learning for Life passion and pride than seeing a
sponsorship. young person learn, realise their
The money we received helped worth, and come into their own.
to keep us in our after-school Knowing that I am a part of making
activities, to buy our school that happen now feels like I have
supplies, our clothes and shoes reached my dreams.”
NOVEMBER 2023 72023 7
NOVEMBER
