Senator Gary Humphries  Senator for the ACT



Date : Wednesday, 26 April 2006

Subject : CHERNOBYL COMES TO CANBERRA - HUMPHRIES URGES  CANBERRANS TO ATTEND EXHIBITION

Author : Sen. Gary Humphries



ACT Liberal Senator Gary Humphries is urging Canberrans to attend an  exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear tragedy.

Chernobyl 20/20 relates in pictures and words the stories of 20 people from 7  countries whose lives have been affected by the Chernobyl disaster.

"The Chernobyl tragedy is one of the world's most heavily documented  disasters. Until now, however, some of us did not have the opportunity to  fully comprehend its impact," Senator Humphries said today.

"Decontamination and stabilisation of the site remains a challenge, and the  human toll continues to mount. It is a tragedy that will forever remain in the  national psyche of the countries affected, particularly Ukraine and Belarus.

"It has also affected the wider public consciousness. When the word  'Chernobyl' is uttered we immediately think of the dangers of nuclear power.

"400 atomic bombs worth of radiation were released that day from  Chernobyl. This led to the resettlement of 300,000 people although 5.5  million people continue to live in contaminated areas.

"This exhibition is an invaluable resource for those who want to learn more  about one of the most significant, albeit tragic episodes of the 20th century. It  is also a moving tribute to Chernobyl's survivors," Senator Humphries said.

The exhibition is being held at the Ukrainian Catholic Centre, 82 Archibald  Street Lyneham. For more information about Chernobyl 20/20, including how  to obtain a Teachers Toolkit, please go to http://www.chernobyl2020.com



