Hartley Electorate

Mr TARZIA (Hartley) (15:49): I rise today to talk about a few community events that I have recently had the privilege of attending, including one at the very distinguished Marche Club in my electorate in Paradise, on behalf of the opposition. Joining me were also the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Dunstan, and the deputy leader, amongst other members and supporters. It was a fundraising event to raise money for the people of Ukraine. Obviously, our hearts break every night when we watch the nightly news and see what is happening in Ukraine, and the suffering of women and children, and of course men serving in their armed forces.

This was a very successful fundraising event. In the end, I think it netted over $50,000. It was money raised for a very worthy cause. There was a great show of generosity on the night. People paid thousands and thousands of dollars for prizes. If I am not mistaken, there were two young ladies who were over here from Ukraine and a donor actually donated a car to these wonderful ladies from Ukraine so that they could get around. They had literally come here with limited support, with a suitcase and very little in the way of material possessions. They have family still stranded in Ukraine. It was a magical show of support. The local community here rallied together, and that is one of many charitable generous gestures that occurred.

This is not the only fundraising event. Obviously, both Italian radio stations have now held fundraising events for this. I have been absolutely in awe of the generosity of South Australians right across the board in giving back to the Ukrainian community for their friends across the other side of the world. We know that many have been displaced by unimaginable horrors of war and are in dire need of our support.

The Ukrainian community have been a wonderful part of South Australia for a long time. Their story, like many of our wonderful cultures, is surely one of growth and prosperity in South Australia, and that will continue with the next wave of migrants here, the next wave of those fleeing Ukraine. They will bring so much to our state. We welcome them, and I really hope that our state can play a significant role in that regard.

Shortly after one of the fundraisers I attended, I also had the pleasure of attending the Ukrainian Easter ceremony. My wife's family have a Ukrainian connection, and I attended the Ukrainian Easter ceremony at St Volodymyr and Olha War Memorial Ukrainian Catholic Church in Woodville. It is just another example of a flourishing Ukrainian institution with strong roots here in South Australia. It was a really humbling experience to attend that as well and talk to many in the Ukrainian community.

What is not lost on me is the sincere act of generosity from one culture to another, moreover from one European culture to another, both with such firm roots in South Australia. It is comforting to know that no matter how far away we may seem to be, whilst we are from different parts of the world there is such a strong community and such a strong desire to bring people together for a common cause. The Ukrainian community does belong here; they are welcome here. I look forward to welcoming many of these new families to South Australia.

Only a few days ago, I was also able to attend an absolutely fantastic Sri Lankan food festival at the Fogular Furlan Club. Mr Acting Speaker, you may be aware I have literally hundreds of people in my electorate from Sri Lanka. We have been lucky enough to inherit some of them. Our local cricket culture in Hartley has certainly been the beneficiary of some of these fantastic Sri Lankan families. In fact, in this very chamber I once had the absolute privilege of welcoming the T20 team from Sri Lanka.

I cannot thank our local Sri Lankan community enough for their hospitality and the support they have offered me over the years, led very strongly by the Honorary Consul, Dr Perera. I highly recommend getting behind the Sri Lankan festivals. We always enjoy hosting and celebrating our functions together. With those remarks, I will conclude today.