FaCS Digs Deep For Another Good Cause 

07/09/2004

Canberra's Marymead Child and Family Centre is the latest local organisation to benefit from the Department of Family and Community Services, Secretary, Mark Sullivan's 'I'll do anything to raise money for a good cause' attitude.

This time he bought his two Deputy Secretaries, Wayne Jackson and Stephen Hunter along for the ride. Starring in the pantomime Cinderella, Mr Sullivan, the wicked stepmother, his two ugly 'daughters' and other staff played to a sellout crowd in the department's auditorium.

Over 150 parents, children and staff enjoyed the show that raised around $600. The money will go to Marymead, which has been providing a great service to Canberra families since 1967.

Marymead provides a range of services to help families in their vital role as parents, including parent education, family support, respite, foster, community and residential care and individual programs for families affected by disability, challenging behaviours and chronic illness.

Mr Sullivan said it was appropriate during national Child Protection Week to try and raise money to help an organisation that has made a real difference to many Canberra families.

'I am more than happy to get involved with fund raising if it means a local organisation will be better off, although this time I wasn't going to do it alone.

'I hope the children and their mums and dads enjoyed themselves and I thank them and all the staff who donated to this fantastic organisation,' Mr Sullivan said.