Tea Tree Gully CFS

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Will the minister inform the council about the recent Tea Tree Gully CFS anniversary?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:35): I thank the member for her question. It is lovely to see you back in the chamber. The year 2025 marks a milestone year for the Tea Tree Gully community as we are proudly able to celebrate 90 years of service, courage and commitment from the local CFS. Across those nine decades, we celebrated three significant anniversaries that highlight the depth and history of this extraordinary brigade.

The first was the 70^th anniversary of the opening of the station on Haines Road and the formal registration of the Tea Tree Gully brigade with the South Australian emergency services on 25 June 1955. The second was the 80^th anniversary of the first eight members officially registered with the emergency services on 1 February 1945. The third, looking back even further, was the 90^th anniversary of the pivotal meeting held by the District Council of Tea Tree Gully on 11 December 1935, where community members first gathered to organise a response to local fire risks. That gathering led to the formation of the Fire Fighting Association and the appointment of the district's first fire control officer.

This year is not only a moment of reflection, it is also a celebration of the people who continue this legacy. Current members of the brigade collectively hold over 850 years of service. That speaks volumes about the dedication, experience and enduring commitment of this community.

A special mention to Captain Rob Sandford for his leadership, and heartfelt congratulations to Jim Sandford, who was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours this year. This is an extraordinary effort because his brother, Rob, was also recognised years earlier for the same award: two brothers holding incredible service and recognised by the King's Birthday Honours. Thank you to Jim for his tireless effort and decades of service—almost 60 years.

Of course, the future of the brigade is in good hands too. The CFS cadets were a proud part of the celebrations. Their energy and enthusiasm were infectious. We heard from cadet Harry, who summed it up perfectly when he was asked what he loved most about the CFS cadets: it was quite simply 'community'. We wouldn't talk about the cadets without mentioning their CFS mum, Carol Frawley. Her care and mentorship for the cadets—including Ethan, Aidan, Zoe, Lachlan, Imogen, another Ethan, and Harry—is inspiring.

Looking ahead, we are building on this legacy of excellence. I am proud to acknowledge the recent state budget announcement of $5.8 million in new funding to support structural firefighting training—a critical investment in volunteer safety and capability. This is thanks to the strong advocacy of the CFS Volunteer Association, particularly Jeff Clark and Sonia St Alban, who worked tirelessly to ensure volunteers' voices were heard. Their efforts have helped deliver this training support for volunteers, which they deserve.

At the heart of this brigade, and across the CFS, our volunteers are our most valuable resource. Their local knowledge, passion and professionalism make them the world-class unit that they are.