Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements

Mr TELFER (Flinders) (15:45): Impacts of the lack of rainfall are having a significant and ongoing impact on regional communities around the state, but especially in my part of the state. Many have not had rainfall of any substance for months and months. Rainwater tanks are running out, stockfeed levels have all been exhausted. Many parts of my electorate have faced their second or third year with less than average rainfall. I want the Premier to know it is real tough out there at the moment, and our communities are crying out for attention.

It cannot wait for the next budget's considerations that the Premier talked about today. We need attention now. We hear that there is hay interstate that has been paid for, donated, but it has not been trucked over because the government is being tardy in their considerations. We cannot sit and wait. Farmers need that hay desperately, and they need it now—please. I hear from farmers that they are either having to sell off their stock or having to put down their stock, because otherwise they would be starving in their paddocks. It is utterly heartbreaking.

If breeding stock is sold off, they cannot be readily replaced. It will mean a substantial and long-term issue for regional communities. Please, Premier, every year our regional communities and farming businesses pay so much into our state's economy, and we need to see that recognised and reflected with more support at this time when they need it most.

Ms HOOD (Adelaide) (15:46): Last night, many locals in my Prospect community came together in Vine Street Plaza to celebrate and recognise a wonderful woman in our community, Anita Muntin. For the past 20 years, Anita has been running our local Prospect Cibo, and she has really been a remarkable person within our community. As I have said during the week, reflecting on Anita's 20 years at the cafe, she is really the magic ingredient that makes a suburb a community. Whether it is coming in for a chat, just for a laugh, for a smile, even during the COVID years, she was a real beacon of light and love and laughter for our community.

Only a week or so ago, Anita announced that she would be closing her cafe and moving on to another chapter in her life. It is a testament to the incredible woman she is the number of locals who have come out to support her, to thank her for the incredible special memories that have been made at Cibo Prospect for so many of us. We just really want to thank her for her service to our local community.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta) (15:47): Last night, a series of five memorial seats, or benches, were unveiled at the Gums War Memorial by the Governor, Frances Adamson AC. We are grateful to Her Excellency for her support of our community. Along with Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia, I was very pleased to be able to participate in this event. As the Magill RSL and, in fact, the state RSL president currently, Meredith Burgess, said last night:

Memorials like this remind us that remembrance is not just about history—it is about gratitude, respect, and ensuring that the stories of those who served are never forgotten. These seats will now offer a quiet place where future generations can sit and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us.

They are very attractive seats. They pay respect to the service clubs whose efforts facilitated their construction, and I am confident that their convenience, their comfort and their dignity will enhance and increase opportunities for members of our local community to pause, pay their respects and potentially find solace.

Highest commendations to Pauline Hill of the Magill Sunrise Rotary Club for her vision and to all the other groups who came together to make them a reality, including Campbelltown council, Magill RSL, the Rotary clubs of Campbelltown, Morialta and Magill Sunrise, the Lions Club of Athelstone-Rostrevor, as well as the artists at Plasma Art. Magill RSL were also particularly pleased that their member, World War II veteran Mario Giovine, who turned 100 last year, was able to attend. Mario still lives independently in the area, with little to no support other than that of his family. He was accompanied by his grandson Drew. Lest we forget.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:49): I recently had the privilege of attending two inspiring community breakfasts that celebrated the incredible contributions of women in our regions. On 7 March, I attended the Gawler International Women's Day breakfast at Nixon's Function Centre. This year's theme, Accelerate Action, reminded us of the urgent need to close the gender gap, a task that at the current pace may take over a century to achieve. Dr Naomi Rutten, the guest speaker, shared her groundbreaking work in developmental and complex trauma, and her leadership in mental health education. Her dedication to improving psychological care truly inspired all in attendance.

This event would not have been possible without the efforts of the Zonta Club of Gawler, Gawler VIEW Club, Gawler Girl Guides, Gawler council and a number of community members whose commitment exhibits the power of collective action. The following day, I had the pleasure of joining the South Australian Country Women's Association's Auburn branch for their long weekend breakfast.

The event, along with their Auburn shop, raises the vital funds to support rural women through education, advocacy and local initiatives, and strengthens connections across the community. Offering goods like homemade jams, which I could not resist purchasing, I must say community spirit has never tasted so good. These events highlight the extraordinary work of women who tirelessly give their time to make a difference. By involving, hopefully, more younger people in these events, we can ensure that the legacy of these brave women endures.