INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (15:53): I start by thanking the member for Mitchell for his comments about the Sammy D Foundation. It is, indeed, an instance of great good coming out of great tragedy. Like the member for Mitchell, I could not imagine what it would be like to lose a child, particularly in those circumstances. Both Nat and Neil have shown the strength to go on but, very interestingly, many of Sammy's friends have continued as volunteers in that organisation, showing both their commitment to Sam and their commitment to thinking that we can live better lives without violence. Once instance I have been involved with recently is the work they are doing to assist children who are in the care of the minister, and that is worthy work indeed.

I continue with my recognition of a number of women from the southern area whose contribution to the community was recognised at our International Women's Day dinner some time ago. I had got as far as identifying Eunice Hearne for her contribution to the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre. The next person to be recognised is Deb Upright. Deb has been the number one ladies recurve archer in the world and, after a shoulder injury, she changed to crossbow competition, and yet again became number one in the world in her division. Unfortunately, not enough people in Morphett Vale know that one of our number has held those world titles on two occasions.

Ms Bedford: No-one knows.

Ms THOMPSON: As the member for Florey says, it is just not known in South Australia. Her contacts and her influence recently brought the world crossbow competition to the south, being hosted by the Southern Vales Archery Club in Morphett Vale. My thanks to the City of Onkaparinga which assisted in the arrangements for that, as did a series of Active Club grants.

The next person to be recognised was Shirley Paull. Shirley was one of the people who initially developed the Pink Ribbon Campaign. It was through her work with the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, in which she became involved as a result of her diagnosis with breast cancer in 1988, and she then started a support group in Willunga. Her activities grew and developed such that she was involved with the SA Breast Cancer Consumer Advisory Group, spoke with Flinders University medical students about loss and grief for breast cancer patients, and, as I said, became part of the founders of the group that promoted Pink Ribbon Day. This award was made posthumously, sadly, and Shirley is greatly missed by members of the Southern Women's Community Health Centre.

Jan Parslow was recognised for her contribution to the welfare of veterans through her long-term activities at the Morphett Vale RSL sub-branch. She is now the president of the women's auxiliary, having been involved in many activities at the community and RSL level and has been a joint partner with her husband, Darryl, who has extended his contribution to council and Rotary through many years.

Angela Beauchamp was recognised for her involvement in promoting healthy eating, and she was part of the original group of Community Foodies when it started in 2001. Community Foodies is a group of people who, with the assistance of the dieticians from the Noarlunga Health Service, became involved in modelling good food practice within the community.

They went to schools and various community organisations to show people how they could easily produce good, nutritious food, at a budget price. They are now working with organisations such as Anglicare to provide not just food parcels but real meals, with instructions with each food parcel so that a family can eat good, healthy meals even though their money is short. My congratulations and thanks to all these women, whose recognition was well deserved.