Elder Electorate Volunteers

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (15:25): Today I rise to speak in recognition of a small number of outstanding people doing magnificent voluntary work within my vibrant electorate of Elder, and I want to stress that these are but a few of some of the amazing, energetic, community-building volunteers committed to the area. I begin with this year's nominees for the City of Marion 2016 Citizen of the Year and then follow up with two nominees for the 2015 Governor's Multicultural Awards.

Firstly, I make mention of our youngest and also arguably our most tenacious, namely, Ethan Hall, a seven-year-old dynamo. Ethan Hall rocketed to fame on social media as he hiccupped with undeterred determination singing the national anthem at the opening of the Adelaide vs Brisbane Australian Baseball League game. Reportedly over 3 million people checked out his performance on YouTube. Ethan showed incredible poise and courage, testament to both his parents Tim and Kylie.

Then I cross to the opposite end of the age spectrum to a man of enduring humble commitment to our community, George Peters, who at the wonderful age of 91, consistently and reliably over many years, has looked over the grounds of the Marion Primary School as the unofficial caretaker, watching the space, locking and unlocking the school gates. He is a local identity, who has tirelessly checked on this space for a long time.

The remainder in this category, who are also driven by passion and commitment, were recognised for their services to sport, history, mental health, multiculturalism and community building. They include people such as Peter Stretton, who was awarded the 2016 City of Marion Citizen of the Year. In his acceptance speech humbly he said, 'We volunteer because we like to see things happen.' Peter Stretton has been a driving force behind the Marion Historic Village precinct and has been instrumental in creating a memorial display in honour of local people who fought in the wars.

Then there is Rick Davey, President of the Marion Tennis Club, a club of 70 years or so, that was facing imminent closure, but through sheer hard work and focused determination, innovation and vision, it has been transformed and turned around. It is also, uniquely, the first carbon neutral tennis club in Australia. Another great community person is Ahmed Zreika, President of the Islamic Society, nominated for his tireless work encouraging Muslim and non-Muslim understanding through such functions as the now annual Al Salam Festival, with its unique offering of an environment and vehicle for communication to promote peace and tolerance with the possibility of an opportunity to break down stereotypes.

The final nominee in this category at the ceremony, who I wish to make mention of, is Barry Heffernan, who lives locally and is a dedicated supporter of those with mental health issues as a result of their service in the armed forces. Hence, he is the founder of the veterans' shed, registered with the Australian Men's Shed Association, that is specifically intended for veterans of all genders, of all conflicts, and anyone who has served in the Australian uniform, regardless of whether or not they saw operational service.

Lastly, I will turn my attention to two well deserving nominees of the 2015 Governor's Multicultural Awards in celebration of cultural diversity. These two outstanding people are Imam Riad El Rifai and Mr Bill Gonis OAM. Imam Riad of Marion Mosque was nominated for his compassionate work with the local Muslim community for the Governor's Multicultural Award in recognition by the Governor of his work with cultural diversity and community inclusiveness. I pay tribute to Iman Riad for his measured approach of always being available, committed and welcoming to his community while realising the importance of connecting with the broader community and his wonderful initiative of learning English, in which he is becoming very eloquent.

Finally, thanks to Bill Gonis for his role over many years of volunteering, with his longtime passion and dedication in assisting the Greek community in South Australia. He has always approached all matters with an open mind, a respectful manner and deep humility. I congratulate and applaud these wonderful people, and there are many, many more like this in my area, who at some stage I hope I can mention, who commit and engage day-to-day to make our state the amazing place that it is, doing this every day because they 'like to see things happen.'