Waite Electorate

Mr DULUK (Waite) (16:03): Mr Speaker, as you know, there is always an abundance of activity and a hum of vibrant community engagement throughout Waite, and I just want to spend the couple of minutes that I have today touching on a few of those events that have been happening in the last month.

First of all, starting with the Blackwood Footy Club, they recently had their annual presentation evening, which was a cracker night. It was a pleasure to be there for what they call the Moulden Medal count and season presentation evening. A special mention to the 2021 men's A-grade award winner and Moulden medallist winner, Nathan Dunn, and the 2021 A-grade award winner for best and fairest, Tamika May, on their achievements this year. Whilst the A-grade did not get a flag this year, there was some finals action seen by the club.

What really makes Blackwood footy club the tremendous club it is is what happens off the field. A big shout-out to president, Kris Winchester, for his leadership at the club again this year and to sponsorship officer, Vicki Trevena, who has done a great job ensuring that the club has great support from the community. Thanks to so many others for organising the event that evening and all the events throughout 2021 footy season. A big congratulations to all the medal winners, club volunteers, players and supporters who create a fantastic on and off the field culture at the Blackwood footy club.

Two weeks ago, we saw the start of the cricket season. It was great to join the Coromandel Valley Ramblers Cricket Club for their season launch a few Friday nights ago. It was fantastic to hear from former Australian, state and Marryatville High cricketer Callum Ferguson, who shared some of his insights into the game of cricket. He recounted a story about when we once batted together in the first 11 at Marryatville High School. I think he made 99 and I made one in that hundred-run partnership. A shout-out to president, Jarryd Simister, and past serving committee members, including Matt Smith, who are driving so much change at that cricket club, including looking for a new home at Frank Smith Reserve.

Last week, it was great to pop down to the Coromandel Valley Tennis Club, where I caught up with Ash Firth and the committee. It was great to see so many social members using their freshly surfaced courts and new windbreaks. A big thank you to Jordan Tomopoulous, who had a big hand in putting up the windbreaks there. Thanks to club coach, Sam Wall, for all his work. Of course, for those who follow tennis, they know that Sam is a six-time recipient of the Tennis SA Talent Development Coach of the Year. There are always a lot of smiles start at the Corrie Valley tennis club.

On Tuesday morning, before parliament sat I was able to pop down to Gamble Cottage to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the Friends of Gamble Garden. It was a beautiful morning at the cottage. The garden is so well kept and is truly thriving with many flowers at this time of the year. Thanks to the many volunteers, the Coromandel Valley and Districts Branch of the National Trust and the City of Mitcham for hosting this event and being custodians of what is one of the few working-class cottages around South Australia, with the original garden as well. It was a gift from the Gamble sisters to the City of Mitcham and is now part of the National Trust. A big mention to founding member Gwen Gardner; president, Alison Oldlands; Iris Rowlands; Chris Box; Robyn Cations; and National Trust member Bruce Harper for putting on a wonderful morning.

Another important group in the valley is the Sturt SES station. It was great to meet with the new unit manager, Jono Binkowski, the other week and others from the leadership team—Caleb and Con. I am really glad to hear that the new pathways program recruitment drive has resulted in several new members for the Sturt SES. For those who do not know, the SES across the board have played a huge part in COVID operations in the last two years. They have been manning our airports and playing a big part in COVID compliance. It has taken them away from their nine to five roles as volunteers. I thank them for what they do. They have been very busy, and I know the community is always appreciative of their time.

In the time I have left, a big thank you again to the Brownhill Creek Association, which have just been awarded an extra $20,000 for their stationary Kaurna shelter. A big shout-out to Ron Bellchambers and the work they do, Just last week, 300 students took part in the fifth environmental school days at Brownhill Creek, with Urrbrae Agricultural High School, Mercedes College, Scotch College, Mitcham Primary School all participating in the fantastic greening of Brownhill Creek, learning about so much Kaurna history and the Kaurna Shelter Tree as well.

There is so much happening in the valley across my electorate. A big plug for the bushfire forum being held next Thursday at the Blackwood Church of Christ, which is of course my annual bushfire awareness forum, so I encourage everyone to get along as we head into the bushfire season.