VOLUNTEERS

Ms PORTOLESI (Hartley) (15:25): Our community is a much safer and better place thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers who selflessly give of themselves, and my community in the eastern suburbs (in the electorate of Hartley) is a fine example of this volunteering spirit.

Today, I would like to acknowledge and thank volunteer groups in particular which have recently celebrated significant milestones. In particular, I refer to the Kensington Gardens Neighbourhood Watch group, which has just celebrated its 20^th birthday; and the East Torrens Kensington Gardens Hardcourt Tennis Club, which celebrated its 90^th birthday on the weekend.

Formed in 1988, the Kensington Gardens Neighbourhood Watch group has spent the last 20 years working in collaboration with the South Australian police—who do a fantastic job—and our community in reducing crime in our area. These community leaders, whom I will identify shortly, have diligently and tirelessly educated and informed residents about emerging crime trends, new scams to be wary of and, of course, changes in the laws. Most fundamentally, they have helped us stay safe in our homes and neighbourhoods.

I am advised that about 200 residents attended the initial meeting of this group at Pembroke College in April 1988. Like most community groups and Neighbourhood Watch groups, its numbers have reduced over the years but the group has, nonetheless, sustained a very respectful core group of members. As a volunteer group, they give up their valuable time to improve their community and do not seek recognition for their efforts, although they really do deserve some acknowledgement.

Statistics from the Office of Crime and Research demonstrate the valuable work undertaken by groups such as Kensington Gardens Neighbourhood Watch. Kensington Gardens is located in the statistical local area of north-east Burnside, which records among the lowest crime figures in the entire metropolitan area. There were fewer than 60 total offences per 1,000 residents in 2006, a 20 per cent decrease since 2002. With lower rates of property and robbery offences in surrounding metropolitan councils, it is clear that the information and advice provided by the group is making a significant contribution to the area.

I must say that I have been a victim of crime in the area: my car was egged twice in the fair suburb of Kensington Park; although, on a more serious note, we were subject to a home invasion when we were living in Tranmere, and the police did a fantastic job.

The north-east division of Burnside also records the lowest levels in the metropolitan area of offences against a person, such as assault; and the lowest levels of sexual offences. While nobody likes to see any level of crime—they are all unacceptable—the Kensington Gardens Neighbourhood Watch group continues to be vigilant, as it should.

I would like to acknowledge the role played by SAPOL in this group's history. As with all Neighbourhood Watch groups, the assistance provided by our police is absolutely invaluable. The current Secretary, Mrs Marie Elson; Treasurer, Mr Russell Elson; Area Coordinator, Jennifer Roberts; and Police Coordinator, Sergeant Astrid Gustavson, are all doing a fantastic job, and I wish them the best of luck for the next 20 years and beyond.

Briefly, I would like to acknowledge the tennis club, which last weekend celebrated its 90^th birthday. Due to ill health, I was not able to be there, but I hear it was a fantastic night. Like most sporting clubs, the group is supported again by volunteers: mums and dads putting in endless hours on the weekends and evenings. The tennis club was founded in 1918, with its own courts in Beulah Park, under the name of the East Torrens Lawn Tennis Club. It has since moved to Kensington Gardens reserve and changed its name to its current one. The tennis club was recently a worthy recipient of an active club program grant from the state government totalling $14,000 for a fencing and storage upgrade, for which I know the club is very grateful.

With over 200 members, the club plays a significant role in our community, and with a large junior program it is doing more than its fair share to combat youth obesity in our community. We are very lucky in Kensington Gardens to have these two valuable community groups.