It was a memorable first sitting week for the 43rd Parliament with the youngest elected member to the House of Representatives, the LNP’s Wyatt Roy in the local seat of Longman and the first indigenous Australian, Liberal Ken Wyatt being sworn in.
Over the coming sitting weeks the new members will make their maiden speeches, a copy of which can be found in Hansard by going to http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/hansreps.htm and you can watch Parliament live by going to http://webcast.aph.gov.au/livebroadcasting/ .
Remembrance Day
Please pause to observe one minute’s silence at 11am on 11 November to remember the servicemen and women who have given their lives while serving Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations.  This year marks a significant anniversary in Australia’s wartime history, the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has produced a 2011 calendar commemorating the sailors, soldiers and airmen who have served in Australia’s defence forces over the past century and compares the experiences of earlier generations with those of today’s servicemen and women.  A copy can be purchased from the Australian War Memorial at www.awm.gov.au/shop or call (02)6243 4542.
Dickson Community Awards
Every year on Australia Day I present Dickson Community Awards to individuals and groups in Dickson who have made achievements in the areas of volunteer work, environmental work, youth achievement or sport.
If you know a group or member of the community who you believe deserves to be recognised for community service or achievement please nominate them for one of these awards.  The person you nominate must live in Dickson.
Nomination forms can be found on my website at www.peterdutton.com.au or by calling my office on 3205 9977.  Nominations close on Friday 14 January 2011.
National Psychology Week
National Psychology Week (NPW) aims to increase public awareness about psychology, psychological issues and the role psychologists play in community wellbeing through three distinct initiatives:
1.    Events, presentations and displays hosted by psychologists across Australia;
2.    A national research survey on a topic of community interest; and
3.    A national media campaign to assist public understanding of psychology.
This year, the NPW survey is on the social and psychological impacts of social networking.  The results will be released at the start of National Psychology Week on 14 November.
National Psychology is an initiative of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
For more information on events in your area or to register an event go to www.psychology.org.au or call (03) 8662 3300.
Mobile Office
Thank you to the many people who have stopped to say hello at my mobile offices recently and those who have given a friendly wave and toot of the horn.  Keep an eye on my website at www.peterdutton.com.au for upcoming dates and locations or feel free to email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call my office on 3205 9977 if you have any concerns you would like to raise.