Calisthenics

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:57): On Friday night, I attended the opening session of the Ridgehaven Calisthenics Club's Graceful Solo Competition at the Golden Grove Arts Centre. Congratulations must go to Tracey Emes, the committee of the club, the volunteers, the sponsors, the families and the supporters of our beautiful and talented calisthenics girls on making such a great competition happen, especially in the face of continuing COVID restrictions.

Our interstate adjudicator, Narelle Potter—herself a successful competitor, coach and now adjudicator—won the Graceful Solo Competition at Ballarat in 1993, the pinnacle some would say at that time of calisthenics competition. It was only a few years before I became involved in calisthenics, so I do regret that I did not see her when she was competing. This was Narelle's first trip out of Victoria since last year. I am sure she had her hands full, along with her writer, Trish Parker, as they had the happy but very difficult task of critiquing the performances of over 200 competitors, each a credit to their coaches and each very well prepared and beautifully presented.

Calisthenics is a uniquely Australian sport, a dynamic combination of gymnastics, all genres of dance, the use of apparatus—and, in our case, that is clubs and rods—marching, which used to be a very big sport in South Australia, singing, acting and miming, all in a competitive setting. It gives girls—mostly girls, unfortunately, although some boys still do calisthenics—confidence and a firm foundation for all sorts of skills in their lives ahead.

It is my honour to be an Australian Calisthenics Foundation co-national patron as well as a life member of the Calisthenics Association of South Australia, a proud 20-year badge holder at Ridgehaven. These are all prestigious achievements for someone who has never ever worn lycra and never plans to because it is such a difficult fabric for so many people to look their very best in.

I was welcomed into the calisthenics community on my election in 1997, and I thank all calisthenics people for their kindnesses and the hours of wonderful entertainment I have enjoyed because of their work and dedication. Many people have made a big impression on me for their commitment to calisthenics. I have mentioned Esme Dobson in a former contribution. Today, I would like to put on record my admiration for the late Mrs Beverley Daysh, who passed away last year on 5 November, which ironically was my birthday.

Along with many dedicated calisthenics people, Bev made a unique contribution to the sport. She was the face of calisthenics in the Royalty Theatre office for many years, and I shared many happy trips with her to Ballarat for the Royal South Street comps and also for the Australian calisthenics nationals all over Australia. Bev did not enjoy good health for some time before her passing, and I will always regret not making the time to see her before losing touch. My deepest sympathy goes to her daughter, Melissa, and all her family and friends on their very sad loss.

Bev would want calisthenics to flourish and grow and go from strength to strength, especially these days when there are so many sports and pastimes competing for attention. I am proud to say my youngest granddaughter has started her calisthenics journey. No matter how long or short it may be, I know she is being nurtured and encouraged by the rigorous framework and culture that have seen progress and delivered results to thousands of girls over the years.

From Tinies, which is girls usually around three years old, to Masters, which is girls and, dare I say, ladies of all ages, calisthenics is a wonderful way of life. For the girls involved and their families and friends, they form lifetime friendships. Without these people competing in calisthenics, it would be impossible for the younger generations to come up through the ranks and to continue.

I was able to make the presentations at two of the Ridgehaven Solo sections. I want to put on record, too, that from the presentation, the costumes, the make-up and the hair, to the performances of the complex and entertaining routines created by such amazing coaches and the backstage support of so many—often dads are backstage—calisthenics is a family sport with clubs all over South Australia and Australia. There is always one near you. I urge all members to go and find their local calisthenics club. For every competitor on stage, there is a family of people supporting them in the audience. It is a wonderful opportunity to see a minority sport.

I say they are minority sports because sports like cricket and football need no assistance. Calisthenics, of course, has made the Royalty Theatre its home, and they have been penalised over the years because they bought the Royalty Theatre, and it has meant they have not been able to access any grants. I do urge the Premier to give some thought to the plans and the letters we have written asking him to make sure this medium-sized theatre remains part of the Adelaide arts scene. It is great to have Her Majesty's fully back on deck, but it is really important, too, to keep those middle-sized theatres.