GiatrAs, Mr J.

The Hon. L.P. HOOD (Adelaide—Minister for Climate, Environment and Water) (15:14): I rise to honour a truly great man in our Prospect community, John Giatras. John was more than just a local barber—he was our friend. He was the most committed and caring son, brother and uncle, and he was taken from us too soon. A light has left Prospect Road and, to be honest, it will never feel the same knowing John is not waving back at you as you wander past John and George's Hair Salon for Men as he stood at his barber's chair chatting and laughing with his clients.

Alongside him was his 92-year-old dad, George. They opened the business together in 1986 and were inseparable. Next year would have marked 40 years serving our Prospect community. It breaks our heart not to be able to go and sit on the couch and have a chat with John, to let the kids run in for a lollipop or just to pop my head around the door and say, 'I'm in a rush, I'll be back another time'—because John gave the best advice. He never sugar-coated his opinions, and I always knew the feedback he gave me was frank and fearless based on the daily chats with his hundreds of local clients.

One of my favourite photographs is of John cutting the hair of my little boy, Ned, for the very first time. John was smiling, sharing wisdom and was efficient as always. John was there for life's biggest milestones and the everyday moments. Last month, at John's funeral at St George Greek Orthodox Church, hundreds gathered to pay their respects and it is where John's dad, George, embraced his son for the last time.

John's brother-in-law also read a letter from one of John's clients, Elias Demourtzidis, that really said it best, and I will share those words with you now:

To my good friend John.

It's still hard to believe you're gone.

You were one of the kindest souls I've ever known, the type of person who gave without expecting anything back, who showed up for everyone, every time, no matter what you were dealing with yourself.

It's hard to put into words the impact someone can have just by being themselves, but you were one of those rare people.

You didn't just cut hair, you lifted spirits. Your chair was more than a seat, it was where people felt heard, welcomed and seen.

You had a gift, not just with your hands, but with your heart. You made everyone feel like a family.

Whether it was a fresh cut, a good story or just a quiet moment of understanding, you gave your best to everyone who walked through your door.

You lived your life with so much heart. You did everything you could for the people you loved, especially your family.

The way you cared for your father, with quiet strength, patience and love was something I'll never forget. You didn't just talk about love or loyalty, you lived it, every single day.

It was your actions, in your sacrifices, in the way you put others before yourself without ever asking for recognition.

You were always there. For your family, for your friends, for me. A steady presence. A safe place. Someone who made the world feel less heavy just by being in it. And now that you're gone, that space feels impossibly empty. The way you showed up for them and for your community will never be forgotten.

But still you live on. In our memories.

In the way your kindness left a mark on everyone you knew.

In the way we now try a little harder to be better, more present, more giving, because that's how you lived.

You were more than a barber, you were a good soul. A kind presence. A trusted friend.

Thank you for all the conversations, the laughs, the wisdom and the care. You made your mark not just on heads but on many many hearts.

Thank you for being you, for your heart, your loyalty and your love. Thank you for all the times you put others first, even when no-one noticed…but I noticed, we all did.

You are missed beyond words and remembered with deep respect and love.

I also want to thank the community for the flowers and tributes that they have left at John and George's Hair Salon for Men. The City of Prospect will be mulching those flowers and placing them in the garden beds and installing a plaque also in the garden bed in front of the shop. I have also raised a suggestion of a mural of John, or John and George, along Prospect Road, which has been sent to our council's art group for consideration.

Each year I award a Lucy Hood MP Community Kindness medallion to primary and high school graduates from each local school recognising a student who has given back to their community through the simple act of kindness. For the schools located in our Prospect area, from this year onwards—and for as long as I have the privilege of serving my community—I will be renaming the award the John Giatras Community Kindness Award, to ensure the legacy of John's impact in our community, and that it lives on.

To John's beloved dad, George; his sister, Mary; brother-in-law, Peter; his nieces, his wider family and his dearest friends, I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. The only comfort I can give you is to talk about John in this place, our state's parliament, so he is forever part of our state's history books. He was a local legend and he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, our dear friend.