presenting Boat at Parliament House

At Parliament House Theatre   

Finally, thanks to Heather Kirkpatrick and Andrew Wilkie, we had the opportunity to take the boat to Parliament and present the boat as a gift - for now to the offices of MPs to use as a symbol of hospitality (coffee table) and hopefully be exhibit as a gift to Parliament.  

Sarah Hanson-Young, Daniel, Linda, Tri, Andrew Wilkie

 Over 100 people attended the screening of the documentary film 'Mary Meets Mohammad' by Heather Kirkpatrick. Only a few MPs were able to attend due to a few other events happening at Parliament House.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (who was receiving the boat on behalf of the Abbott government) at her office and enjoyed our brief conversation. However there was a miscommunication, I wanted to give the boat to parliament, not to the current government. So we clarify that with Senator Fierravanti-Wells and took the boat back. On my way there with Andrew Wilkie and his Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Tucker, we met MP Anthony Albanese in the corridor and had a good laugh talking about the boat making its way around the corridor of Parliament House.
Back at Andrew Wilkie's office, I had an experience like I was in a West Wing episode. Lots of activities and people walking in and out of the office with lost to do. But in the busyness, everyone showed Heather and I gracious hospitality.

Andrew Wilkie tried to get permission from the Speaker of The House for the boat to be received by Parliament and have it on display in Parliament House, but it was not approved. Andrew then suggests that he would host the boat for a few months and then pass it to another MP to host. 

leaving it behind

The team at the airport on way home