Parafield Gardens Salvation Army Thrift Shop

Mr FULBROOK (Playford) (15:13): I rise on behalf of my local community with a heavy heart to say a fond farewell to the Salvation Army thrift shop in Parafield Gardens. Sadly, it closed its doors for the last time and it was my pleasure to pass on my thanks to volunteers on the last day of trading on 11 February.

Of course not everyone was there on the day. In noting that there are a lot more people that have supported this community beacon, both past and present, and I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for everyone who supported it for well over 30 years. There is no doubt this is a loss to the north and I know there will be many people feeling pretty numb at this point in time.

This was a true opportunity shop in every sense of the word and it became synonymous across town for its low prices and its broad range. My mum volunteered in an op shop for 24 years and it was a massive part of her life, something she was very proud of. She not only talks about it fondly and affectionately but recalls the close friends she made of both customers and her fellow volunteers. I can imagine the 32-plus volunteers can relate to this, but I am certain that I am also only scratching the surface. You gave a lot to your community, and I want you to know that we are all very grateful for this.

The local captains did not take this commitment lightly and in speaking with them I understand they have made significant efforts to ensure that the selfless volunteers are not lost to the community. I know that to date at least 16 will continue working with the Salvos in a voluntary capacity.

Other efforts have included meeting directly with these wonderful people to try to match them up with other volunteering programs, as well as taking a bus tour to one location within the community to aid them in their transition as valued volunteers. While trading may have ceased, this is not the end for the church, and I know in the short term a thank you barbecue was held to bring everyone together for one last hurrah.

In putting these words together, I was thinking it would be nice to list some of the names that contributed to this wonderful service. It was pointed out to me that the list would be so long that I would never get the chance to say anything else on the subject. In the interests of fairness and brevity, I am told those many people involved know exactly who they are, and I feel they have every reason to be proud of their achievements.

It then leaves us with the question of what next for the Salvos in Parafield Gardens. Firstly, it should be noted that the site is, and always will remain, a community church, so in the short term they are not going anywhere. Their thrift shop model has always placed an emphasis on people over product. Thrift shop or no thrift shop, their focus will always be the fantastic people living within our wonderful community.

This includes their support in our local schools, with programs like Give. Grow. Evolve. at Parafield Gardens High School. This gives an opportunity for students to further their studies while gaining important knowledge in social awareness matters within their community by making meals to support young homeless people in the local area. This has been a great success over the past 18 months. The team will be working with their community to set new directions with a key focus on helping children, youth and young adults. The playgroup, known as Minis, will also continue, and I can also share that the free bread to the community will continue on Mondays and Fridays.

While there is a loss, opportunities will grow as the next chapter unfolds. As much as I would love to have the inside scoop on what is next, we are just going to have to watch this space. More importantly, my comments today are about those people who for over three decades gave so much to help make our community a better place. We are indebted to you all, and I thank everyone involved for the kindness that they have shown in the community that I am privileged to represent.