Grievance Debate

City of Marion Unsung Hero Awards

Mr SPEIRS (Bright) (15:19): I want to take the opportunity today to place on the public record my congratulations to a number of residents who live in my electorate or who are associated with my electorate who received City of Marion Unsung Hero Awards on Thursday 23 July. The City of Marion has been holding its Unsung Hero Award ceremonies for many years, using them as an opportunity to provide some much-needed recognition to people who are quietly serving our community.

It was interesting to note on the night that, of the 35 award recipients, half of them are associated with or live in Hallett Cove, Sheidow Park and Trott Park in the council's south. Given that this area makes up less than one-fifth of the council's population, there is no doubt that the sense of community in the south is exceptional.

I want to spend some time running through the recipients and sharing with the parliament some of their achievements. Firstly, we have Creina Dawson of Seacliff Park, who was recognised in the category of sport for her role in the Brighton Croquet Club and in developing croquet nationally and internationally. Recently, Creina became one of only 40 people to be inducted into the World Croquet Hall of Fame.

In the category of business, Hallett Cove businesswoman Marie Soliman was recognised as the driving force behind the new Hallett Cove Business Association, of which she is inaugural chair. In this role, Marie is volunteering her time to boost the economy in the southern suburbs. She was instrumental in forming the association to encourage small to medium-sized businesses to work with each other to grow and increase the economic profile of the region.

In the category of environment, we have a name that will be familiar to many in South Australia. Rae Campbell is from Trott Park and is the force behind the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital. Rae has raised and rescued native animals for 40 years. She works in a volunteer capacity as director of the Plympton-based centre, which is the first and only hospital of its kind in South Australia. The centre is not for profit, runs educational activities and participates in research into koala diseases. Rae has boundless energy and her passion is infectious.

In the category of role model, Owen Smith, aged only 15, has used his passion for soccer to collect soccer tops, shorts and equipment and donate them to underprivileged children overseas. Owen lives in Hallett Cove, where he has built a reputation for leadership and commitment in his school and at the Cove FC where he plays soccer.

Also in the category of role model, pastor Carolyn Atkinson of the Hallett Cove Baptist Church balances her role as wife and mother while providing a unique brand of support for young women. She has initiated a number of important mentoring and support groups for women. Carolyn has also helped to start up Drug ARM in Hallett Cove to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol abuse in the area.

In the category of community spirit, we have Trevor Wigg, president of the Hallett Cove BMX club. Trevor is a leading light in South Australia's BMX community. He serves as an advocate for the sport and, as president of the Hallett Cove BMX club, he has recently been working to develop a long-term plan for BMX facilities in Adelaide's south.

A whole range of people connected with the Lions Club of Hallett Cove were recognised in the awards. Monica Woods, while not an official member of the Lions Club, is an ever present volunteer at their events and was recently awarded a Helen Keller Fellowship for her inspirational contribution to society. Another Lion, Graham Cocks, received an award under the community spirit category. Graham, from Hallett Cove, has served the Lions Club for many years.

Two other members of the Lions Club who were recognised are Malcolm and Margaret Sparrow. These long-term members of the club play a significant role in the local community. Their commitment to the club is second to none. Malcolm and Margaret are wonderful examples of people who go beyond what is expected to help others. Another member of the Lions Club who was recognised is someone who has actually had their fair share of mentions in this place, that is Hallett Cove hero Graham Botting, the driving force behind Hallett Cove's inaugural community ANZAC Day dawn service. I congratulate him again for his efforts, though I am disappointed to let the chamber know that he is leaving my representation behind for greener pastures in the member for Mitchell's jurisdiction.

I would like to mention Eric Ebelthite, who received his award under the community spirit category for ongoing service to the Hallett Cove Meals on Wheels. I would also like to mention Meredith Beaston, who received an award, along with Mark and Alison Rogers for their service within Rotary and, in particular, to the Rotary Club of Brighton.

Finally, we have Linda Batten, a passionate Hallett Cove-ite of Scottish heritage, who has received an award under Role Model. Her selflessness was summed up by an awe-inspiring act of generosity when she registered her bone marrow on an international donor database and was able to save someone's life who she did not know—a final example of a brilliant unsung hero.