Media Release

The Chief Minister said this week that it was wonderful to see such a large part of the community participate in the Relay for Life last week-end.

“It is pleasing to note that moneys raised for the Cancer Council will be used in part to fund support services here on the Island” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also commented on the Island of History Conference which was hosted this week by the Professional Historian’s Association. The Conference ran from Tuesday to Friday and comprised of a number of international and local speakers.

“It was my pleasure to open the conference on Tuesday morning and I am confident that the delegates have had a wonderful week exploring Norfolk Island’s unique living history. The historical significance of the Kingston, Arthurs Vale Historical Area will hopefully will be recognised in Brasilia next week by being inscribed on the World Heritage Listing” the Chief Minister said.

This week also saw a visit from the Attorney General’s Department, First Assistant Secretary Territories Division, Julian Yates, the newly appointed Assistant Secretary, Richard Glenn Territories Division and the Director of Territories East, Alison Green. The officers had a series of meetings and site visits which resulted in further developing the relationship between the Commonwealth and Norfolk Island at an officer level.

The newly appointed Assistant Secretary, Richard Glenn indicated that he had visited the Island when he was a boy and that the experience had left him wanting to return. In his current position he hopes to visit the Island regularly to assist him in engaging meaningful dialogue between the Commonwealth and Norfolk Island.

In addition this week the Chief Minister hosted a function for the ultramarathon champion Alex “Macca” McKenzie who ran 29 hours 56 minutes and 45 seconds over last week end to break the record for running 200kms on a grass track.

The Chief Minister said. “It was an amazing effort and we hope to see “Macca” back next year to defend his title”


23rd July 2010

David E. Buffett
Chief Minister