Elder Electorate

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (15:37): On Saturday a fortnight ago, my electorate was abuzz with events, two of which I would like to mention today: the opening of the Oaklands Recreation Plaza and the Rajah Street Backyard Blitz. In conjunction with the Marion mayor, I opened the Oaklands Recreation Plaza. To witness this project come to life was evidence of the importance of the shared vision and the relationship between local government, state government and the local community.

The Oaklands Recreation Plaza project is part of the wider transformation of the former driver training and development centre. Already, we have seen this site changed into a well-used wetland reserve and public open space. The grant has enabled the design and construction of a vibrant youth recreation plaza to create a high-quality multi-use space, providing recreational facilities for a range of users, particularly skateboarders and BMX riders.

This park provides an important meeting place for young people and their friends as they gather to express themselves physically and socially through interaction with their peers and others. It provides opportunities through a range of sports—skating, BMX, skateboarding and scooter use—to achieve physical fitness, to attract young people outdoors and for them to accrue a sense of belonging by enabling them to watch and be with like-minded people.

The extensive consultation in the development of the plaza saw the input of so many local people as ideas were gathered and community input sought. This place is therefore rightly a space for local people in my electorate to be proud of and to know it is their space and their park for them all to enjoy.

The other event that I wish to mention took place on the same day just across the bridge in the community of Rajah Street. It was a dynamic, much-anticipated project that had affectionately become known as the Rajah Street Backyard Blitz. Rajah Street is an area in my electorate with a demographic that is doing it tough; however, the people are resilient and optimistic and always welcoming. The Rajah Street Community House, ably managed by Jean and Colleen, has offered community meals every Wednesday evening, rain or shine, over many years. The mood is always that of one extended family, and I love being a part of it.

Not so long ago, the Rajah Reserve, just out the front of the community house, was fortunate enough to attract the attention of Roger Rasheed and his foundation. Roger Rasheed Foundation saw the investment in the reserve to transform it with grass, a barbecue, running track and multipurpose courts. This reserve is central to 410 households of the area and, with ongoing interest from Roger Rasheed himself, has seen programs for youth, being a variety of tennis and other sporting activity and athletics. It is now commonplace to see a very full program during the school holiday period.

With this positive increased activity in the community, the issue of a backyard upgrade of the community house was becoming more pressing. Jean, Colleen and I had been talking for some time of how we might achieve this, with the hope of seeing a facelift with fruit trees, a vegetable and herb patch and an outdoor patio area for the community to share. Fortunately, earlier this year, I met Josh, an energetic, passionate young man who was championing a charity organisation known as Big Sunday. As soon as I met Josh and we discussed what he and his volunteers could offer, I instantly thought of the great wish of Jean and Colleen. So, with just one meeting, Josh, Jean and Colleen were hatching plans of transformation.

Big Sunday is ordinary, everyday people combining together to contribute back to those in our community, supporting those who may be marginalised through isolation, poverty, disability or sickness. Big Sunday acts to provide hope through practical service with its mantra of 'Bringing ordinary, everyday people together to contribute to our Community'.

Josh tells me that, on Big Sunday weekends, there are involvement opportunities for every passion, talent, skill and age. Projects are scheduled throughout the weekend and can last anywhere from one hour to a full day. These projects vary, dependent on a handyman being available. Elderly people in nursing homes are visited, animal shelters are assisted and social inclusion opportunities are provided for various people in various groups. Wherever there is a need, there is an opportunity.

The Rajah Street Backyard Blitz saw a team of around 60 people, including locals, sanding, painting, gardening and transforming the backyard, as well as transforming the front yard. Delightedly, we saw the whole interior of the house being painted. I would like to thank all those involved in my electorate who show the passion to make things happen, supporting the dynamic community of which I am a member. Thankyou to you all. I enjoy working with all of you.