Gawler Biggest Morning Tea

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:47): The Biggest Morning Tea in Gawler is more than sharing a cup of tea with those in the community. It is sharing a commitment to make a difference in the fight against cancer. I am proud to say that the Cancer Council Gawler branch, under the inspiring leadership of the president, Gwenda Green, has been a driving force behind this remarkable event and other events in the community for over 25 years. The Gawler Biggest Morning Tea has grown from an intimate gathering in homes to a grand event held annually at the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club, which has generously offered their venue for the past 10 years.

This year, the event saw over 350 individuals come together to raise approximately $14,000. The event's success reflects our community spirit, marked by collaboration, compassion and unwavering support. It is not only the familiar faces that grace the event each year but also the tireless efforts behind the scenes. Local students from the Gawler 15 catering service, the Gawler Lions Club, the Gawler and Districts Weight Watchers Club and the First Steps Play Group all contribute to its success. It truly takes a village, and our tight-knit Gawler community exemplifies this.

When media personality Graeme Goodings, as a special guest, remarks it is the biggest morning tea he has attended, it is clear that in Gawler we have something special. I extend my gratitude to the 30 committee members whose dedication ensures the flawless planning and execution of this event, amongst others. Their efforts, including Daffodil Day, contribute an annual average of $30,000 for cancer research, culminating in an average of $100,000 raised each year by our community, with the annual efforts of the Gawler Relay For Life.

The Southern Barossa Business Group recently held their first awards. The Southern Barossa Business Awards, hosted by the group, saw the event have an overwhelming public response with 1,200 votes cast by the community. There were 162 local businesses nominated, and 39 finalists and 10 winners were honoured across 10 diverse categories. These awards are more than just accolades: they are a reflection of the positive impact these businesses have on their customers and our community at large. As we witness the region flourish with developments and upcoming events, including the upgrade of Lyndoch Recreation Park in preparation for next year's hosting of the AFL Gather Round contest, our business community is poised to soar.

It is imperative that we acknowledge the role of local businesses in driving this growth in the region. They are the backbone of our economy, the heart of our community and the soul of our shared experiences. Events like this are crucial in highlighting their offerings, encouraging people to stay, explore and invest in the region. The Southern Barossa Business Group, under the leadership of chair, Steve Balch, has been pivotal in highlighting the diversity and significance of our local businesses. Their efforts have fostered a network of businesses, promoting collaboration that is vital for the collective prosperity of our businesses in the region.

Recently, I also had an opportunity to attend a MATES in Construction event. I would like to mention that recently they held an important fundraising event to help raise funds for the mental health of our construction workers. The statistics are alarming. Every year, 190 construction industry employees die by suicide in Australia. I recently attended the MATES in Construction annual fundraising lunch at Adelaide Oval, an event that brought together 450 people, including members of parliament, union leaders, employers and workers. It was a powerful demonstration of unity for a common cause: improving the mental health of those who build our nation.

MATES in Construction's South Australian branch, led by Gawler's own Alan Suridge, offers invaluable services to our region at no cost, thanks to funding from the Country SA Public Health Network. Their approach is proactive, providing education on suicide and mental health, followed by ongoing support to create safer, more resilient workplaces. As a member of the Northern and Gawler Men's Wellbeing Network, I am proud of the strides that we are making in our community to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

The collective efforts of mental health organisations are vital in fostering a culture of openness, care and recovery. The state government, recognising the gravity of this issue, has committed $240,000 over four years to support MATES in Construction's life-saving work. Their programs have reached over 313,000 workers nationwide, including 35,000 in South Australia, teaching them to recognise signs of mental distress and to be open about their struggles. In closing, I urge all of us to support initiatives like MATES in Construction. Together we can build not only structures but hope and resilience in the lives of our workers.