Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:57): I want to talk about Fabulous Friday. Last Friday was just a great day to be a South Australian. Country Racing SA are putting on some amazing country racing events, and the Port Lincoln Cup was no different. On the Friday there were about 2,500 people who attended that race meeting. It was full of colour, full of young people, and it really was just a great day. Port Lincoln was on show: the seafood was aplenty and the entertainment, the horse racing, and the fashions on the track really did shine.

I want to congratulate David Reid, the president, and his local member, because they have done an outstanding job. His committee and the Port Lincoln Racing Club have done an outstanding job to resurrect this event and make it what it is today. I Need a Drink was the winner of the Port Lincoln Cup, and it was a back-to-back winner from last year. I want to congratulate jockey Rochelle Milnes, who did an outstanding job in a very tough field, so it really was a great day.

I then moved back to Adelaide for the evening and attended the 2024 TAB Greyhound of the Year. I want to congratulate the outgoing chair, Grantley Stevens, and welcome the incoming chair, David Lewis. It was a great evening. The winner of the Greyhound of the Year, Fantastic Spike, had a sensational year and really did lead by example. He was trained by Liz Chegia and also acknowledged as South Australia's Sprinting Greyhound of the Year. The runner-up was Pet Detective, trained by Ben Rawlings. He was also trainer of the year, and I presented awards to him. He had 231 wins for the year, which is not a bad effort for a trainer, I say. It really is a great opportunity to welcome racing to SA.

The SPEAKER: You might have finished a fair way behind the field with that effort, member for Chaffey. It was very entertaining, though.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:59): I am honoured to share the incredible stories of two remarkable female entrepreneurs I encountered who are making waves in the hospitality industry in the Clare Valley. First, let's celebrate Alison Meaney, the visionary behind Bukirk Glamping and luxury cabins. While I attended Bukirk's seventh anniversary open day, Alison spoke of her story of transforming a run-down vineyard into a thriving glamping destination. Inspired by her love for the outdoors and extensive travel experiences, she has created a unique accommodation that blends rustic charm with modern amenities. From the early days of manually clearing the vines to opening the first glamping tents in 2018 and expanding to the luxurious 'fancy coops' and accessible accommodation, Alison's dedication and creativity have truly redefined the glamping experience in the Clare Valley.

Next we have Katherine Nugent and her business partners, who are behind the new Clare Valley Distillery. Katherine and her business partners have embarked on a journey to bring locally crafted gin to the renowned wine region. Starting with contract distilling in 2019, they faced numerous challenges, including navigating the pandemic. Their vision comes to life this Sunday with a brand-new distillery and cellar door officially opening. I look forward to showing my support by attending the event. Their innovative approach and passion for gin have added a new dimension to Clare Valley's hospitality scene. These women are not just entrepreneurs; they are pioneers inspiring all of us with their determination and ingenuity. They are an example of the many entrepreneurs in the valley and plains, and I look forward to sharing their stories as well.

Mr BASHAM (Finniss) (16:01): We now see from the government a response to the desperate people in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu region who have been repeatedly asking for assistance. Thank you to the Minister for Water for finally responding to the enormous community pressure in the past month regarding water supply to households not connected to the mains. As far back as 12 February, the minister commended my suggestion for utilising milk tankers, saying, 'Lovely when the Liberals are occasionally constructive, as David has just been. I really, really appreciate that.'

This week I wrote to the minister offering a bipartisan approach to this emergency to look for solutions to help those who are running out of water in their homes, but the minister has not accepted my offer for assistance as yet. It has taken nearly three weeks for the minister to deliver simple solutions instead of implementing solutions immediately, as this should have been an emergency response.

I also acknowledge that there are other regions out there that are facing similar circumstances and still awaiting a response—the Barossa, the Mid North and other regions. We certainly need to make sure that we look after them. As I said, I wrote to the minister earlier this week offering a bipartisan approach. I am happy to work with the minister in a joint task force or whatever structure is required, and that offer still stands.

Mrs PEARCE (King) (16:03): I rise to say a very happy birthday to the Golden Grove mall walkers, who this Friday will be celebrating their 20^th year supporting and servicing our local community. This is a fantastic local group that is based at The Grove Shopping Centre. Every Tuesday and Friday morning they meet and get together to actively walk around the centre. It is really beautiful, because it does not matter what season it is and what is happening outside; there is a safe environment for them to be able to get out and be active. Just as importantly, it is an amazing opportunity for residents in our local community to come together and connect. It is just as importantly a wellbeing activity. It is why I love to visit them as much as I possibly can. When I caught up with them during their coffee time afterwards, I was told that I had brought the wrong shoes if I was coming to do a bit of a walk around with them as well.

It is always great catching up with them. I sincerely thank Linda for all her efforts over this period of time to help connect and bring people together, no matter the obstacles that have been thrown in their way, and all of the amazing people I see week in and week out coming there to support one another through any stage of life that they are going through. It is an example of why The Grove is such a hub in our local community. It is more than shops; it is a place that brings people together and looks after them.