Community Events

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:22): On this auspicious day when, after a struggle of at least 27 years, Saudi women will finally be able to hold a driver's licence, albeit only from June next year, and in the week of the lead-up to a grand final that will feature a South Australian side, the Adelaide Crows, vying for a flag 19 years after their last, there is much to celebrate. Some events are bigger than others and it reminds me how important the annual events, both big and small, within our communities are to unite us all in a spirit of endeavour and achievement.

I want to speak about a couple of events that I look forward to each year. The first is the Australian International Pedal Prix for human-powered vehicles. Thousands of people are involved in hundreds of teams competing in a series of events throughout the year, culminating in a 24-hour endurance race held in the Rural City of Murray Bridge. Thanks must go to the Rural City of Murray Bridge as I understand they have just reached an agreement with the Pedal Prix board that will see the event continue there well into the future.

The race enjoys a happy collaboration with the University of South Australia, which also sponsors the Tour Down Under. The events are not dissimilar, except for the amount of overall funding each enjoys. There are many local governments involved: the cities of Waikerie and Mount Gambier, the District Council of Grant and now the City of Busselton as well from Western Australia. There are other higher educational institutions involved, like Curtin University, as well as public and private schools from all over Australia. Pedal prix could not happen without them and I thank all the sponsors that provide assistance in kind on behalf of everyone who holds Pedal Prix so dear. Many local businesses have been involved for a long time.

It was great to be back trackside last Saturday with the member for Hammond and other invited guests to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the starting line, even though the start was delayed due to the strong winds lashing the picturesque Sturt Reserve, which was lined by nearly every houseboat on the river. Because safety is the prime concern, the delay was inevitable. Unfortunately, this is the first time I have not seen the race start. Many schools from within or very nearby Florey participate and I thank all the mentors, support crew and families who make this wonderful opportunity possible for so many students. Pedal Prix can be a lifelong passion, even an addiction. To all the people at each school—and you all know who you are—I thank you for all you do.

This year, in category 1 we have some great results, and no doubt some hard luck stories. East Para Primary School, the Crank Crew, came third after entering the last round in first position; The Heights School, Odyssey, was 47^th; and Ardtornish Primary School, the Ard Rocket, which I know you will have very close to your heart, sir, was 49^th. Category 2 saw Modbury High's Lynx finish 20^th and The Heights School, Pulsar, came 57^th. In category 3, Modbury High, Cheetah, came 16^th and the Modbury High Pink Panthers came 44^th overall. St Pauls, COGS, came 35^th; Valley View, Viper Venom, came 53^rd. It was their first year in the competition and they did a great job. Category four saw The Heights School, Orion, come 39^th and Thor 41^st.

I should also add that there is an all-female team within each of the categories (one to three) and Modbury High's Pink Panther seem to be on top of the table. I know they were leading at the start of the day. Winning is not everything, though. Although it certainly does help after a long weekend at Murray Bridge—it is doing a personal best that really counts. To Andrew and all your team, you did it again under very difficult circumstances and we are all in awe of all you do. We owe you a great debt of gratitude for all that you do and continue to do for Pedal Prix.

The other event is the annual art show at Modbury Special School, and again, sir, you will know about that. It is an absolutely amazing centre of learning and my admiration goes to principal Cam and his wonderful, dedicated and committed staff, the governing council and all the supporters of the school, chief among them the Modbury Kiwanis, who have been looking after their bicycles for years. Thanks to the many sponsors, among them both the Crows and the Power and many local small businesses. There was a fabulous spread of finger food, wines and live music. We could have been in any five-star venue. The art was absolutely five-star too.

The inaugural Waratah Memorial Art Prize was awarded in memory of Natalie Van Der Heiden, a much-loved teacher who died in an accident earlier this year. All the pieces of art were outstanding and the school will put the funds raised to good use. There were many people in attendance, among them the member for Newland, yourself sir, and former principal, Julie Aschberger, whose work in this area is nationally recognised and is the strong foundation for so many of the innovative programs and the excellent results that the school achieves with their students, giving them pathways after their graduation, something that is celebrated at the end of each year by a gala ceremony and dinner.

I am proud to be involved with these and so many other events in the community. Winter sporting achievements are being recognised as summer sports get underway, and I look forward to celebrating and acknowledging all these important events—from the Para Vista calisthenics to Pooraka under-12 football, also held last weekend—right up to the end of the year and beyond.