News
Fundraising Dinner at Parliament House - 15 September 2008
On the evening of the 15th September, the APMP convened a fundraising dinner in Mural Hall at Parliament House Canberra hosted by the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly, AM, MP and supported by BAE Systems Australia. The APMP Committee displayed the four stage 2 entries to the Memorial design competition and distributed brochures and information on the project.
The event was designed to both promote the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project and provide an opportunity to both the government and industry to receive first hand information on the emerging planning for Australia's National Security Architecture post the Ric Smith review.
Dr Mike Kelly addressing the dinner guests
The APMP Patron Lieutenant General John Sanderson, AC (Rtd), former Governor of WA and Patron of the APMP introduced the evening with an outline of Australian Peacekeeping Operations and the Memorial Project. He was followed by the Hon Mike Kelly, AM MP who spoke on Civil & Military Cooperation in a “Whole of Government” approach to dealing with an “All Hazards” environment anticipated with the release of the Rudd governments National Security Statement. Finally the Deputy Secretary Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Mr Duncan Lewis, AO, DSC, CSC former Special Operations Commander Australia spoke on Australia’s future National Security Architecture.
During the evening General Sanderson presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Department of Veterans Affairs and to PDL Toll as APMP “Champions of Peacekeeping”. Both have donated $200,000 to the APMP.
The AFP table at the dinner and presentation
It was an enjoyable evening that raised awareness and funds for the project. There remains a great deal of work to be done and the deadlines for the raising of capital to commence work is looming. Thanks to all who were involved in this very successful event.