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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-10-27 Daily Xml
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LITHUANIAN ANNIVERSARY

Ms CICCARELLO (Norwood) (15:34): One thousand years ago, in the convent of Quedlinburg Abbey in Germany, an unknown annalist was writing a historical chronicle: the Annals of Quedlinburg. In it, the annalist described St Bruno's mission to Christianise the pagan king Netimer, and I quote a translated version of the Latin text:

St Bruno, also known as Boniface, archbishop and monk in his 11th year of conversion, was struck in the head by pagans at the border of Rus and Lithuania, and along with 18 of his followers went to Heaven on the seventh day before the Ides of March.

Although the journey of the monk ended tragically, his demise also served as the first documented mention of the name Lithuania.

Almost 1,000 years later, on 5 October 2008, the Ambersail LTU 1,000 set off from the port of Klaipeda, as do thousands of sea-faring vessels every year. However, this was no ordinary yacht and it was certainly no ordinary trip. Rather, it was the beginning of a 200 day global voyage that would cover 43,427 nautical miles and visit 26 communities in 20 countries across five continents, including South Australia in December last year. The mission was the Millennium Odyssey. The goal was to bring together communities all over the world in celebration of a momentous anniversary. The motto was: One Name—Lithuania. It is this milestone that Lithuanians all over the world have been celebrating in 2009.

Recently, I was thrilled to attend Lithuanian House in Norwood with the Attorney-General and to join with the local Lithuanian community in adding our voices to the global chorus of acknowledgment and respect. It is no small understatement to say that Lithuania and her people have travelled a rocky road. It is a journey steeped in struggle and chaos, in foreign occupation and intervention, and in prosperity and devastation. However, it is also a journey of courage, endurance and hope, and the yearning to be an active member of a world that can make a difference.

It is the story of many South Australian Lithuanians who left their homeland with nothing more than the hope of refuge and the promise of a new beginning. Like so many people from far away shores who made Australia their home—either through necessity or choice—they studied, worked hard and strove to provide their families with opportunities that had been denied to them at home. Though small in number, they proved that cultural survival and development did not depend on a collectively loud voice, but rather on a clear vision, willingness and determination.

I am proud to be a member of a government which is so committed to multiculturalism and the integration of our state as a culturally diverse and accepting community. In turn, I am also delighted that the Lithuanian community has accepted the challenges we have given them and played such an important role in building the economic and social prosperity of South Australia. The parallels of countryman to homeland are striking. Faced with adversity, both have endured; faced with separation, both have prospered; and faced with isolation, both have become integral players on their respective local and world stages.

Just as her citizens have achieved great success in their new homes and communities, Lithuania (as a nation) has also stepped forward. Today, Lithuania is an independent, free market democracy, and before the global economic crisis had the enviable title of being one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union. But not content with looking inwardly, Lithuania also wanted to ensure her voice was heard. Through her relatively recent membership of the European Union and NATO, Lithuania embarked upon her agenda of contributing enormously to peace and security throughout Europe.

Lithuania also plays a significant humanitarian role further afield in contributing to missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo and Georgia. And that, I believe, is the true essence of courage and what marks Lithuania and her citizens as unique. To re-assert yourself successfully after so many years of uncertainty and turmoil is noteworthy in itself, but then, in turn, to reach out and help others is the ultimate achievement.

I pay tribute to the members of the Lithuanian community for their selfless and unswerving commitment in supporting their members, whether they are newly arrived or simply needing extra support in their senior years. I appreciate your efforts in establishing the museum which documents your story and journey. This is a fantastic way to educate the younger generations and enable them to appreciate the history of their homeland and ancestors. A sense of tradition and an awareness of the travails and accomplishments of those who paved your way is so important and this goes a long to ensuring that those links are developed and fostered.

The museum is also a testament which the wider community can enjoy, and I thank you, on behalf of all South Australians, for allowing us to share in and appreciate your rich cultural heritage. And last, but certainly not least, I congratulate Lithuania on her 1,000 year anniversary and wish her continuing success for the future.

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