JUNCTION COMMUNITY CENTRE

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide) (15:33): The other week I had the privilege of attending the AGM of the Junction Community Centre. As a precursor to the AGM the Junction Community Centre dancers gave some performances and I was so impressed, not only with their performances but with the work that their club does, that I wanted to bring it to the attention of this chamber. I can think of no better way to do that than to read their own history, which is extremely well written and a good summary of their work:

The Junction dancers have been based at the Junction Community Centre in the Port Adelaide/Enfield area for over twelve years and over this time a caring supporting community has grown from the classes. It has become obvious that this has become more than a dance class but in fact offers an extended family to all involved, students, parents and families alike. Twelve years ago the Junction Dancers were a group of approximately 20 children with no permanent venue but were already supported by a committed community of parents and friends and a single teacher, Lucina Fogagnolo [who I had the privilege of meeting the other night].

The group could have been described as consisting of mostly home schoolers, ethnic minority groups, special needs and foster care kids, misfits and trouble-makers but as with most things, attitude and perception shape the reality and consequently it was significant and [meaningful] that the group always identified itself as being an energetic and exciting group which allowed for, and in fact celebrated, individuality and diversity. It is this positive attitude which has been the foundation of all the group's growth and achievements.

In 2001, when classes began at the Junction Community Centre, the group finally found a home and all a home offers: support, faith and encouragement. In this positive, nurturing environment and under the leadership of a growing group of dedicated, generous teachers the group grew not only in numbers but also in achievements. There was also a growing realisation amongst the children to aim higher and that they were capable of attaining dreams and aims which previously may have seemed impossible.

Over the years we have seen the group triple in numbers, however, this is only a small indication of a far larger community. The group has nurtured many children from infancy to adulthood and many still drop in to say 'Hello', some are helping to teach and all still support the group where they can, in many cases family and friends also continue to offer support. Thus a Junction Dancers community event is often an exciting 'family reunion' with well over a hundred people. The group defines the term 'extended family'.

It is hard to know where to begin when listing the achievements of the Junction Dancers: on a group level, they have performed in almost every state of Australia and students have taught not only peers from Adelaide but also fellow students as far away as the APY Lands in Central Australia. They have choreographed and performed on reconciliation day, performed in the Adelaide Fringe festival, marched in the Port Adelaide Christmas parade and danced in support of many community and school events.

It is impressive to consider that a group coming from an area of low socio economic and working class families has helped to raise close to $10,000 from charity events. On an individual level, students have gone on to obtain entry to performing arts degrees, joined performance groups, achieved roles on television. However, just as impressive are the new arrival refugees who in a few short years have learnt English and become vital members of the Junction community, and who are regarded by all with much respect and affection. All our students have stayed in school and completed Year 10 with the vast majority going on to achieve Year 12, and some aiming for and attending university.

The focused, motivated attitude fostered and encouraged by the dance classes has helped the children grow into positive, generous, conscientious, caring, young people who interact positively within their family and peer groups. It is exciting to consider what these children will achieve in the future. It has become evident that the Junction Community Centre Dancers is not just a dance class but has evolved into more of a youth club and it is this area that continues to grow. In the future it would be great to provide academic tutoring, nutrition and cooking classes and health and lifestyle advice.

This could be achieved through set workshops and classes but also through group camps and getaways. Also for the past seven years, older students have travelled interstate, both performing and teaching workshops in Central Australia, Northern Territory [and other states]. A highlight has been a special relationship which has grown between our dance community and an Indigenous community on the APY Lands in Central Australia.

I wish to put on record my earnest support for the Junction Community Centre Dancers and the work that they have done.