Generations in Jazz

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (15:40): I rise today to call on the state government to support the wonderful Generations in Jazz festival occurring in Mount Gambier. I believe it should be granted major event status and ask that the Minister for Tourism look into that. Generations in Jazz began in 1982. The entire Generations in Jazz concept is part of a regional city's commitment to encourage young artists from around the nation to reach for the stars.

It is the combination of a dream which came true back in 1982 for three country lads united by a love of music: Leigh O'Connor, Dale Cleves and Malcolm Bromley. They saw an opportunity to pay tribute to their musical forebears—Tom O'Connor, Frank Cleves and Joe Hannigan—by bringing like-minded jazz artists together so that they could share their talents and learn from one another in a relaxed, inspirational atmosphere.

More than three decades later, Generations in Jazz has developed into something truly unique. With a combination of clinics and concerts, it has become the ultimate three-day jam session for several thousand artists at varying stages of their musical journey. Generations in Jazz represents a wonderful opportunity to listen, perform, respect and develop a true appreciation for a truly wonderful sound and to be a part of a commitment to furthering jazz in Australia and beyond.

The first few years saw no big bands, no scholarships, no choirs and around 200 people seated in the Barn Palais. Fast-forward to 2016, and approximately 4,400 musicians, as well as support staff from 107 schools, attended the 2016 event, with James Morrison's big top pavilion having seating capacity for 6,100 people. Put that into perspective: 6,100 people would be like 61 Arkaba motels, one of Adelaide's best and most favourite venues, in Mount Gambier. That is the value Generations in Jazz brings to our accommodation, hospitality and cafes in Mount Gambier.

Musicians travel from as far away as Perth, Rockhampton in Queensland and Auckland in New Zealand to compete in this prestigious event. Generations in Jazz's growth projection estimates 7,780 participants in 2021, with most of this growth coming from outside South Australia—from Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, and 5 to 7 May 2017 celebrates the 30^th anniversary of James Morrison's involvement with Generations in Jazz.

Two scholarships are up for grabs: the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship and the GIJ Vocal Scholarship, awarded annually to an instrumentalist and a vocalist, with at least six finalists aged from 15 to 21 in each section. The James Morrison scholarship offers $10,000 in prize money to enable the winner to further their music careers. The Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship offers $5,000 in prize money also to assist with future music aspirations.

To celebrate the 30^th anniversary this May, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra—an 85-piece band—will perform 'A to Z of jazz (Louis Armstrong to Joe Zawinul)'. This is a journey from the beginnings of jazz through to fusion and funk, and that will be occurring this year in Mount Gambier. Renowned artists from all over the world have visited Mount Gambier to perform under the big top pavilion.

I note that the Deputy Speaker (member for Florey) is an ardent supporter of Generations in Jazz and has been for many years. That is why I call on this state government to award major event status to this event and support the wonderful work the Generations in Jazz team does. Some of the things that need to occur are to do with the actual facilities where this event takes place. Roadworks and toilet facilities are really small bickies when you consider the economic impact for a regional rural community in South Australia. With that, Deputy Speaker, and your support this May, I will conclude my remarks.