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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-09-11 Daily Xml
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CALISTHENICS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND MUSIC CAMP

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:45): At my first opportunity to speak since opening day, I acknowledge that parliament meets on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people and we acknowledge their spiritual connection to the land. After that last contribution, I make one that focuses on some positive things with young people. I conclude the remarks I made on 22 July concerning the 2008 National Calisthenics Competition in Perth. At the time I was thanking CASA's executive and committee for their work on behalf of the calisthenics girls in this state. All those people on the committees, along with each of the state's various clubs, are the backbone of this unique sport. Teams travel with managers and chaperones who help prepare the girls for their items and support them both before and after performances.

Much goes into the final item the audience sees. Costume making, of course, is a particular highlight of calisthenics life, along with the fundraising—and everyone in this place knows how hard it is to fundraise. Each local community club has all the same jobs and tasks to attend to and also relies on and enjoys the help of the many dads who work alongside their daughters providing back stage support and the sacrifice of many hours of family time. I was particularly proud of the South Australian 2008 national support crew: the two Georges, Wayne, Craig, Trevor and John, who worked tirelessly shifting the props and preparing sets. Also the many parents, family members and friends who travel to support the teams, both the South Australian contingent and those from all the other states and territories.

The calisthenics community represents everything I admire in working together for a great result, and I am proud and happy to have a connection with them and look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration. The calisthenics year will soon finish and clubs will have their presentation nights and Christmas break-ups, and not too far away is the beginning of another year where we will see another state team go away this time to Brisbane to represent our state. When that time comes, I am sure all of us in this place will wish them well, and I urge members, particularly with clubs in their areas, to attend any calisthenics concert whenever they have the opportunity to do so.

The other thing I put on the record today in the house is the wonderful work being undertaken by the South Australian Music Camp Association. It was a privilege to attend the final concert of the 46th camp on Friday 11 July at St Peter's College Memorial Hall, and thanks go to principal, Philip Grutzner, for again allowing the use of his school's facilities. The South Australian State Music Camp offers instrumentalists from the age of nine to 23 years an opportunity to play in one of five ensembles, which cater for a wide range of ages, standards and level of experience. The daily routine includes a mixture of tutorials with specialist tutors and rehearsals.

Students audition for a place in one of the five ensembles. Most of the staff are former campers themselves, and this year it was a real privilege to see one of the young winners of the Florey Music Award take up a spot as a tutor. They pass on their love of music during this inspirational week of music making and fun. Many tutors are employed as musicians and teachers by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the Department of Education and Children's Services, the South Australian Police Band and the University of Adelaide. Without the support of their organisation, the state music camp would not be possible at all. We have a great group of sponsors such as the Silver Keys and Strings Music Centre. Ian and Lorraine Brown have an enduring relationship to the camp and their commitment to youth music is greatly valued and appreciated. A great committee is also involved. As camp director Peter Webb said, the engine room is Josie Hawkes, ably assisted by Aaron Dohse, and they need particular thanks and recognition for their effort.

This year's program was spectacular. Steve Eads and the Roberts Wind Ensemble, Brendon Pearn and the Marcus String Orchestra and the Alexander Orchestra under the baton of Mark Smith took us to the interval break, with a tremendously varied feast of musical treats. We, the lucky audience, then reassembled for the remainder of the concert: the Grutzner Concert Band conducted by Stephen Millar and the wonderful finale by the Bishop Orchestra under David Stanhope. Their performance of Prokofieff's Romeo and Juliet, Second Suite, was absolutely spellbinding and one of the finest musical moments of my public life supporting live performances in schools. I thank the hundreds of young performers for the night of music and encourage them to continue well into the future. I also thank their teachers and especially the Instrumental Music Branch for their dedication and commitment. It is also important to thank the parents and caregivers involved in making the opportunity to learn an instrument available to these young people and providing them the means and encouragement for them to achieve their goals.

The Florey Music Award will again be presented to a young person in each of the schools in my electorate this year and, as I said, it is great to see those young people going on to take their place in various bands and orchestras around the city. I also mention that another Florey Music Award recipient was part of the Army band that accompanied the Adelaide Male Choir.

Time expired.

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