Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time South East Field Days South East Field Days The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY Legislative Council South East Field Days The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:29): My question is for the Minister for— The Hon. H.M. Girolamo Legislative Council Deputy Leader of the Opposition The Hon. H.M. Girolamo: Did you write this question yourself, Russell? The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! Don't be harassing the Hon. Mr Wortley. The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY Legislative Council The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Thank you, Mr President, for your protection. My question is for the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister inform the chamber about the recent South East Field Days? The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN Legislative Council Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister for Forest Industries The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:29): I thank the honourable member for his question. I recently had the absolute pleasure of heading to Lucindale for the 45^th South East Field Days. Field days are an incredibly important part of regional life and we have a number of highly successful events across the state throughout the year that provide a boost for local businesses and economies and an important opportunity for agricultural businesses to get their products in front of a large number of potential buyers. Of course, as a South-East local myself, I understand how important the South East Field Days are to our local communities, particularly when times are tough. It's an important opportunity, as I mentioned, for agricultural businesses and other local businesses to show their wares, with field days providing a fantastic opportunity for families and communities to come together to also enjoy food, drink, fun and entertainment. This year's event featured everyone's favourite gardening guru, Gardening Australia's Sophie Thomson, on the main stage, as well as the SA Police band, and country musician Leah Briggs, who hails from Beachport. I am told that Butcher Girl Alison was a fan favourite as she carved up a storm on the stage with incredible skill. The fun didn't stop at the main stage, with things such as laser tag, Old MacDonald's farm, racing simulators, helicopters, balloons and the SA Yard Dogs Championship all providing fun for kids young and not so young over the two days. It is good to see the committee continually shaping the event to cater for a wide range of interests. This was just one more reason why this year's version was an incredible success, I am told, with over 500 exhibitors and 22,000 attendees. I certainly appreciated the opportunity to talk to many farmers and businesses on the day, as well as to speak with organisations such as GPSA and Livestock SA. I visited the PIRSA stall to talk to the team there, as well as having a good opportunity for an outside broadcast with ABC. Drought, of course, was a significant topic and it was a further valuable opportunity to hear from South-East farmers about the impact it's having and to again listen to them about what sort of further assistance might be most beneficial for them as we continue to respond as a government. Field days are where the very best of regional communities shine through—the hospitality, entrepreneurial spirit, the businesses and the people who have all built up the regions, the younger and older generations working together and actively taking part in rural life together. Congratulations to the South East Field Days chair and his team, as well as all exhibitors and everyone who attended a fantastic two days in our beautiful South-East.