House of Assembly Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Grievance Debate King Electorate King Electorate Mrs PEARCE House of Assembly King Mrs PEARCE (King) (16:10): I am often asked why I love the community that I live in and represent. Is it the gorgeous parks and open spaces? Is it the incredible sports clubs and schools or maybe it is because everything is all within arm's reach? Whilst all are incredible reasons to love my neighbourhood, the real reason is more unique than that. It is, of course, the people, those who pour their heart and soul into making our neighbourhood feel safe, well and connected. Just last month, it was great to see some exceptional people from my community recognised for the contributions that they make to enrich our neighbourhood. Firstly, we were fortunate to have not one but two individuals honoured with OAM awards: Mrs Alethia Quick, for her tireless service to floral art, having dedicated over 30 years to the Floral Design Council of South Australia, and Mrs Ingrid Alderton for her exceptional contribution to special education—and what a contribution it has been. It includes her contribution to the SA Disability Discrimination Act public inquiry 2004, through her time as a Department of Education South Australia Presenter of the Parent Forum Disability Policy and Programs Directorate 2018, and Manager Special Education Resource Unit and Disability Policy Programs 2014. What I love most about these two women is how humble they were in receiving their honours. In fact, I understand that Mrs Quick was so surprised that she was rendered speechless with shaking hands. She was so honoured to be awarded an OAM for doing something that she enjoys so dearly, something she has dedicated her life to. It does not stop there. I also had the pleasure of attending a couple of ceremonies in January, which also recognised outstanding contributions made in our neighbourhood. It was amazing to be able to witness the tireless dedication of the many people who selflessly serve our community every day receive well deserved recognition and acknowledgement for their invaluable contributions. Colleen Bennet was awarded Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the City of Tea Tree Gully. Having dedicated 34 years to Scouts SA, 26 years to the Redwood Park Neighbourhood Watch and 27 years to St John SA, Colleen's dedication to give back has undoubtedly benefited the lives of so many in the north-east. Violet Coupar is another outstanding member of the community I was proud to see recognised for her amazing efforts giving back to the community. She volunteers her time four days a week with the Salvation Army, lending a hand in the Op Shop, running cooking classes and, of course, making her famous north-east sausage rolls to use as fundraising items. Violet is a valued member of our community, someone I have had the pleasure of volunteering with during the Christmas period over the years, and it was delightful to see her efforts recognised. As for local community groups, the Tea Tree Gully Men's Shed-Women's Workshop Group received the award for Outstanding Community Group of the Year. Members of this group are well renowned for using their practical skills to bring joy to others. They are, of course, responsible for the fairy villages we find all across the north-east and they have also contributed to National Reconciliation Week community art projects over the years. I was also proud to see that BEAT Movement received recognition for their outstanding efforts in raising awareness about breast cancer in young women and promoting its early detection through the development of training and educational programs for healthcare professionals. Over to the other corner of my electorate, at the City of Salisbury, I was proud to see Georgi awarded Citizen of the Year Award. A new citizen himself, Georgi has wasted absolutely no time giving back to our community through the establishment of the Mustard Seed Family Project and Paid 4 U Cafe, where people can pay forward meals to support those doing it tough in our community. The Hon. Z.L. Bettison House of Assembly Ramsay Minister for Tourism Minister for Multicultural Affairs The Hon. Z.L. Bettison: Citizen of the Year? Mrs PEARCE House of Assembly King Mrs PEARCE: Yes, he was. Madeline Prince was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her exceptional work and passion for the community, contributing through the Salisbury City Council Youth Council Committee and volunteering and fundraising in support of environmental causes. I must say it is always incredible seeing the next generation take an interest and get active on the issues that matter most to them. Last, but not least, is Geoff Meikle, a stalwart of the Salisbury community and a volunteer driver. Having made a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of students through his music, Geoff still gets out and about with the Salisbury City Band, bringing the joy of music to many people in our community. I often see him with the band over at the Old Spot Markets on a Saturday morning. He is always more than happy to have a chat about what is happening, before busting some great tunes. This is why I was proud to see Geoff being awarded Senior Citizen of the Year. It is the people that are at the heart and soul of our neighbourhoods, and it is the people like those I have mentioned that truly make them special. Whilst I have not named all who were recognised recently, I thank them for everything that they do. In fact, I thank all volunteers who volunteer and contribute to their neighbourhoods.