Events
NSW Management Committee and State Council meet monthly to discuss current and ongoing issues of concern to the Citizens of this State
Interested Members should contact the NSW Office on
(02) 9746 5817 or 1300 667 975 for further information
Annual Convention
September 29th - 3rd October 2011
The CDP's annual Convention will be held on the October long weekend beginning September 29th and concluding October 3rd. The venue is the very well appointed Merroo Conference Centre, Kurrajong - at the foot of the beautiful Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney.
All CDP members are warmly invited to consider attending. You will be challenged, enjoy a great time of fellowship with others, and have an opportunity to conribute to the direction and growth of the Party.
Guest speakers (confirmed) include Hon David Clarke MLC, Hon Greg Donnelly MLC, Vickie Janson, Bill Muehlenburg, Ann-Marie Kitchener, Dr Mark Harwood, Bruce Coleman, Hon Paul Green MLC, Rev Dr Ross Clifford and Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC. (Other speakers are still to advise their availability.)
( Click here to download the printable 2011 Convention brochure )
Report on CDP’s Annual Dinner (1st June, 2011)
A most delightful evening was held in the NSW Parliament House Dining Room on Wednesday 1st June 2011. The event was the Christian Democratic Party's Annual Dinner and the increased attendance signified a positive rebuilding and a celebration of the CDP and its major role of "prayer and responsibility" in the NSW Parliament.
More than 100 guests were very impressed with the quality of the evening due to the ambience, enhanced by the splendid setting of the Dining Room, the food, the music and the speakers, led by Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi.
Senator Bernardi's speech was very well received by all present, including many Members of Parliament. It included the following points as he outlined his reasons for considering it being a pressing time for our nation to choose between competent and incompetent governments for the wellbeing and safety of our nation of Australia and its future generations.
"There are many big questions before us: questions about education, healthcare, infrastructure and the economy; questions about society, our culture and our families. The answers to these will shape Australia in decades to come. The way to a strong and prosperous economy is through lower taxes and encouraging initiative. We need to decide what kind of system we are seeking: one that takes first and considers recipients second, or one that minimises government interference, backed by a belief that individuals are best placed to decide where their money is spent.
It is an understanding of freedom that stands between an Australia drifting into the future and an Australia moving proudly forward, supported by an established set of ideals and values. Freedom does not mean the right to live one’s life without regard to others. It requires responsibility for one’s actions and a degree of responsibility for others in the community.
We must set about establishing and maintaining a deliberate and self-confident standard of common values for those who wish to call this nation home.
Our culture is drawn from many countries and customs, it is still one thing; made up of a set of core values that should be reflected in every living room across the nation. These values are grounded in the rule of law, democracy, freedom of religion and equality of all people.
With strength, courage and pride, we must continually reinforce what we want Australia—our Australia—to reflect. Together, we must rise to take responsibility for our nation and future, by emphasising the benefits of work, family, initiative and self-reliance".
Other participants included the Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC who gave his President's Report and the Hon Paul Green MLC, the CDP's newly elected Upper House Member, who led in the Grace and closed in Prayer, Ray Moran, the CDP's Honorary National Director from Western Australia, who gave the vote of thanks to Senator Bernardi and Leighton Thew, the MC for the evening. Leighton also acknowledged Judy Russell (Rev Nile's PA for over 17 years) who had organised the evening in its entirety.
The music was provided by Amy-Mary Coleman on the Parliament's grand piano and by baritone Ben Oxley, who sang wonderful songs including Lord God of Abraham, an aria from Felix Mendelssohn's major work "Elijah" very ably accompanied by Amy-Mary Coleman, who also presented pleasurable classical and sacred music.
The CDP continues to give great thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness over so many years and for the obvious growth and blessing on the CDP. We look forward to next year's Annual Dinner and to giving thanks for the Lord's leading and overview during the coming twelve months.
Photographs available by contacting 9230 2478.