Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea has used a parliamentary speech to highlight an outstanding achievement by a special community organisation.
"This year, the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates its 40th Anniversary – an outstanding accomplishment," he told the NSW Parliament
"It is one of Australia's leading community orchestras, with a membership comprising professional players, amateurs and students from throughout the Sydney metropolitan area.
"It is an active, innovative orchestra which does much to educate and entertain the community in the classical music genre," he said.
Mr O'Dea used his speech to highlight the typical activities of the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra's annual program, some of which resulted in it reaching the finals of the 2011 ART Music Awards in the category of Excellence in Music Education.
He also encouraged Ku-ring-gai Council to consider improving facilities for such local groups, referring to the recent opening of the new Chatswood Cultural Centre.
"This impressive new facility might prompt consideration by Ku-ring-gai Council of improved community performance space for use by community groups such as the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra," he said.
Mr O'Dea paid tribute to long-serving committee members, President Anne Cahill, Past President Louise Keller, Graeme Gee, Lewis Cornwell, Anne-Marie Braid, Martin Brown and Suzanne Cattell.
"On the occasion of its 40th Anniversary, I congratulate the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra for its many achievements, including the opportunity it provides up-and-coming musicians, for its educational outreach, its fundraising and the entertainment and culture it brings to my local community as a whole," Mr O'Dea concluded.
