McKee, Hon. C.D.T.

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:43): I take the opportunity today to add my voice in this place to honour the contribution to public life of the late Colin David Thomas McKee who, between the years of 1989 and 1993, represented the seat of Gilles. The seat at that time included the suburbs of Vale Park, Manningham, Windsor Gardens, Hillcrest, Northfield and Gilles Plains, all of which I have had the privilege to represent as the member for Torrens.

Colin's interest in politics started with his family. His father, the Hon. David McKee, was elected to the House of Assembly to represent Port Pirie and surrounding areas and became the Minister for Labour and Industry in the Dunstan government. Colin's political beliefs were firmly formed when the issue of conscription arose around the Vietnam War. He followed a sound Labor path, becoming an organiser for the Musicians' Union and, later, Actors and Announcers Equity, which today forms part of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.

In 1979, Colin was elected to the highly sought-after role of state organiser of the Labor Party, where he worked with the then secretary, former Senator Chris Schacht, for close to 10 years, dedicating himself to the success of the labour movement both at a state and a federal level. Post his parliamentary career, Colin bought the Osborne Hotel on the Lefevre Peninsula, and legend has it that, having been taught boxing by his father, on occasion, when the need arose, he put those skills successfully to the test. Following the sale of the Osborne, Colin went into partnership with others to acquire hotels in Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Pirie, becoming highly respected in the hotel industry in South Australia through to his retirement.

I extend my sincere condolences to Colin's wife, Cyndy; his son, Todd; and the rest of his family, friends and former colleagues. I want to let them know that although Colin served only one term in the state parliament, on occasion I still have residents reflect on him in a glowing light.

On another topic, this week on 25 August we celebrated National Meals on Wheels Day, recognising the dedication and commitment of the 45,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers who tirelessly support vulnerable members of our community. In addition, there are 1,500 staff across Australia. I would like to make a special mention of the Northfield Meals on Wheels located in Oakden within my electorate of Torrens, some of whom have been preparing and delivering meals in our community for decades. I have volunteered with these amazing people, many in their 70s and 80s, who volunteer on a regular basis. Not only do these volunteers deliver meals but to many people who live on their own these wonderful people are the only real regular contact they have with another person.

Over the past 18 months, Meals on Wheels has faced a number of challenges: from devastating bushfires to floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our volunteers continued to turn up at their local service and make sure no-one went hungry. It has been an important source of social interaction for people who are housebound, have health issues or found themselves in home isolation due to COVID-19.

Meals on Wheels has done remarkable work in maintaining its service in the wake of the significant challenges brought about by COVID-19. Demand was up by around 20 per cent and, for a raft of reasons, there was a decline in volunteer support, but safe, contactless delivery measures were implemented. I encourage anyone who may have a spare couple of hours a week or those who are retired to consider signing up to join Meals on Wheels as a volunteer. I know that the team at Oakden are always looking for reliable volunteers and I can vouch for them as being a very friendly bunch.

We can be proud that South Australia has been at the forefront of this remarkable worldwide service for 68 years and has set the standard for the rest of Australia to follow. I am sure everyone here will join me in remembering the enormous contributions Doris Taylor MBE made to South Australian life when she launched Meals on Wheels in 1953 and in thanking also the selfless volunteers, past and present, involved in making it a truly great charitable institution.