Victoria Square Fountain

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:39): It is a great privilege today to rise to speak about the Victoria Square fountain 50^th anniversary celebration. The celebration was hosted by my wonderful friend and generous philanthropist, Maria Kenda AM, the founder of the Victoria Square Fountain Club. I take this opportunity to pay special tribute to Maria Kenda for her vision in establishing the club to recognise the historical significance of the Victoria Square fountain, as well as using the club events as the fundraising platform for charities. The fundraising efforts this year will support the Hutt St Centre, Flinders University Research and Foundation Shine.

Maria, with her big heart and active involvement in giving back to the community over the last 30 years, has raised over $7 million for deserving charities and medical research. Although Maria enjoys staying out of the limelight, it was an incredibly proud moment for her family and friends that Maria was recognised in 2010 on the Queen's Birthday honours as a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her philanthropic service to the community.

The dinner was also attended by His Excellency the Governor of South Australia, the Hon. Hieu Van Le. He made a wonderful address that night. Other distinguished guests and great supporters included Rosemary and Vili Milisits, who kindly donated the delicious birthday cakes to be used for centrepieces on each table. I know it was delicious because I sampled some. I express my gratitude to Rosemary and Vili for their ongoing contribution and generous support to our community.

As the assistant minister to the Premier, it was a great honour to represent the Premier, the Hon. Steven Marshall, and to convey his best wishes. On the night, I spoke about how the Victoria Square fountain tied in well with the Premier's portfolios in Aboriginal affairs, the arts and multicultural affairs. I highlighted how the Victoria Square fountain is a profound piece of art. The place and the sculpture have significant connections for the traditional owners of the land, the Kaurna people, and how our multicultural communities have been welcomed and integrated into the vibrant landscape of Adelaide.

The Victoria Square fountain was officially launched by His Royal Highness Prince Philip on 28 May 1968 to commemorate the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. During Prince Philip's speech, he revealed that a plan for a fountain in Adelaide had first been proposed in 1858; however, it took 110 years for it to be installed. It is a case of better late than never.

Victoria Square is known as Tarndanyangga, meaning red kangaroo dreaming, by the Kaurna people. The Victoria Square fountain is a heritage listed fountain and serves as a powerful symbol of reconciliation. The fountain is a unique art sculpture by talented artist the late John Dowie and became the first piece of South Australian public art to acknowledge Aboriginal people when it was originally built in 1968. Victoria Square was also the first public place in the world to fly the Aboriginal flag in 1971.

There was certainly a trifactor theme throughout the night. The Victoria Square fountain sculpture features three human figures carrying three birds, representing the three rivers: the Murray, the Torrens and the Onkaparinga rivers. I am pleased, through the 50^th anniversary of the fountain's celebration, that I have the opportunity to highlight the artistic and iconic fountain's proud connection with the Aboriginal people, that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for locals and visitors and that the square itself has held many remarkable multicultural festivals organised by our wonderfully diverse communities every year.

I would like to thank all the sponsors who donated major auction prizes, including Maria Kenda's Design Jewels, Ev-Lynne Otto OAM, House of Chow, Hilton Adelaide, Chianti restaurant and a spectacular painting by renowned artist Andrew Baines. I have had the honour to attend many United Nations arts installations by Andrew and opened his exhibition in the past, so I could not help participating in the auction and was lucky enough to bid successfully on the painting Andrew Baines generously donated for the auction. I am now the proud custodian of that beautiful painting.

Once again, thank you sincerely to Maria Kenda AM and the members of the Victoria Square Fountain Club for hosting a fantastic and meaningful dinner to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Victoria Square fountain. Many happy returns with the flow of prosperity from the three rivers.