Speaker Dunne celebrates Commonwealth day

Media release

15 March 2015

Mrs Vicki Dunne MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for the ACT, will tonight, on behalf of the Assembly, host Commonwealth Day celebrations.

Celebrations will be hosted at the Canberra Museum and Gallery and bring together high commissioners and other representatives from Commonwealth member countries, school captains and principals from ACT colleges.

“The aim of Commonwealth Day is to celebrate the unity, diversity and linkages of the modern Commonwealth and foster greater understanding of the roles and achievements of the Commonwealth,” Mrs Dunne said.

This year’s theme − ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’ – recognises the diversity of the Commonwealth, which is made up of more than two billion people.

“This theme refers to the values of tolerance, respect and understanding including equity and fairness as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter,” Mrs Dunne said.

His Excellency Mr Carmel Paul Muscat, the High Commissioner for Malta, will present a response to the Speaker’s opening remarks and Luke Gersekowski, school captain at St Edmund’s College, will read the Queen’s Commonwealth Day message.

 “We are a diverse and increasingly connected global network, bringing fresh perspectives and understanding on global issues, international co-operation, and the work of the Commonwealth’s organisations working to improve the lives of its citizens,” Mrs Dunne said.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday of March each year.

ENDS