HISTORY FESTIVAL

Mr ODENWALDER (Little Para) (14:50): My question is to the Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts. Can the minister inform the house about South Australia's History Festival, About Time?

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services, Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts) (14:50): Last—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. C.C. FOX: That's alright. I'll give it a whirl. Last Monday I was lucky enough, with the Leader of the Opposition and a few other people, to be present at the launch of About Time, which is the beginning of the South Australian History Month. It used to be a history week, but in 2011 it became a history month, such was the popularity of this particular festival.

Across South Australia, in the regional areas as well as the metropolitan areas, there are some 300 events in about 500 different locations; obviously, they move around. In a number of areas there are very interesting tours of places like local cemeteries and local stately homes. It really is something which is worthwhile getting involved in.

As I said, it goes for a month, and the reason that it goes for so long is the immense popularity that has been shown because of this particular area. South Australia has a very rich, very vibrant history, one which is quite extraordinary. We have a number of social firsts in this state which we are very proud of. The history festival itself ranges from, obviously, pre-colonial era history right up until very recently.

One of the things I can particularly recommend is a visit to Holdfast Bay, to the castle, a beautiful old house which has been opened for the first time. Talking about old houses, Governor Scarce and Mrs Scarce have been very gracious in opening up their house, as always, for various different tours. For those of you who would like an opportunity, every single Sunday during that time there will be a tour of Parliament House; if you don't know enough about it already, perhaps you can come back. I would urge all those people who have events going on in their areas, as I said, both metropolitan and regional, to get involved. It really is a great festival.