King Electorate Awards

Ms LUETHEN (King) (15:31): Today, I would like to speak about the recent kindness and volunteer awards that I have presented in schools in my electorate of King on behalf of the King community. I have been so very inspired by the recipients put forward at our local schools. One of my favourite sayings is, 'In a world where you can be anything, be kind.' I would like to thank our local schools for providing me with the opportunity to be involved in their special events and hand out some awards.

The King Kindness Award was introduced last year as a way of recognising students who have shown considerable acts of kindness to their peers and out in the community. At the 2019 Golden Grove High School year 11 final assembly, I had the opportunity to present the King Kindness Award to Gemma McCann. Gemma was selected by the school due to how she positively relates so well to both adults and her peers, constantly showing her caring nature. Gemma was commended for her support and empathy for others. Overall, Gemma has had an outstanding year, showing exemplary caring and kindness in so many ways.

At the Golden Grove High School year 12 graduation ceremony, I had the opportunity to present this kindness award to Kimberley Cornelius. Kimberley was selected as she has been a source of guidance and constant encouragement for her peers. She has made her learning community the best it can be by role modelling respect and inclusivity and promoting social justice. Her patience, kindness and caring nature make her a very deserving winner.

At the Our Lady of Hope School and Greenwith Primary School annual joint campus volunteers' morning tea, I had the opportunity to present the Paula Luethen Volunteer Award to Alan Murphy from Our Lady of Hope and to Cristy Hinttala from Greenwith Primary School. Alan was selected based on how much volunteering he does for the school and how, on an ongoing basis, he supports staff and students. I have known Alan for many years as the volunteer helping students at Pedare primary and Golden Grove primary safely cross the road and always with a smile.

At Greenwith primary, Cristy was selected due to all the help she has provided in all areas across the school, including classroom support, school camps and the canteen, and for SAPSASA with the transportation of students. Cristy is also working and raising a family but still makes time to volunteer. She is an amazing lady who came to see me after the award to give back her donated cheque for it to be regifted to a cancer charity fundraising team. It will now be given to Alison Warner, a local and Greenwith primary school teacher, who has herself raised nearly $200,000 in the last few years for cancer-fighting causes. What absolutely amazing, generous ladies.

At Tyndale Christian School's year 12 graduation and presentation assembly, held recently at the Influencers Church because so many people come along, I had the opportunity to present the Paula Luethen RISE Award to Faith Rantala-Hay and the Paula Luethen Volunteer Award to Stella Salter.

Faith was selected for the RISE Award, where candidates are considered and selected based on the Tyndale criteria of respect, integrity, service and excellence. Faith was selected based on her respectfulness, genuineness, work ethic, determination, striving for excellence and for always being encouraging and understanding of others.

Stella was selected for her volunteer efforts over 20 years of volunteering in the art department, canteen and classrooms during her children's and grandchildren's time at the school. Amazing Stella has now chosen to retire from her volunteering at the age of 81. Her contribution has been immeasurable.

At Salisbury East High School's senior school awards and graduation leavers ceremony, recently held at the Golden Grove Arts Centre, I had the opportunity to present the kindness award to Sam Georgiou. People throughout the stadium cheered for Sam. He was recognised for his kindness displayed to his peers overall and the way he positively represents the school.

At Golden Grove's Pinnacle College year 6 graduation dinner, held recently at the Stamford Plaza, my Kindness Award was presented to Nada Al Balawi. Nada was a very popular winner and was chosen by her school for kindness. Thanks, everyone, and well done.