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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-06-08 Daily Xml
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TITANIC COMMEMORATION

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:10): On Tuesday 31 May, the Adelaide Arcade was transformed into a piece of history. With the help of the spectacular backdrop created by a national team of balloon artists, the 125-year-old arcade itself remaining a marvellous example of a shopping precinct of its era, became that wonder of its time, the RMS Titanic, pride of the White Star Line. This commemorative celebration marked the centenary of the launching of the then world's largest moving object. It glided from the No. 5 gantry of Harland and Wolff's shipyard, into the Belfast lock and into history. Few people have not heard of the Titanic story, whether by now-rare personal accounts, books, TV or one of the many movies produced. All have enjoyed success because of the idea of and romance—

The Hon. M.J. Atkinson: What was the last port it called at?

Ms BEDFORD: Well, the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, I believe, sir—of sea voyages, the opportunity they offered for pure tourism or the chance of a better life in another world. The unsinkable ship suffered a terrible fate when, less than a year later on the night of 14 April, it struck an iceberg and sank, with the loss of around 1,500 souls. Perhaps it is because so many stories survived from that night that the legend of the Titanic remains so strong.

For many years, Adelaide has played an important role in remembering those who were lost and the lessons history has given us. The Titanic society first came to my notice before I was elected, through the enthusiasm of Mark Kasperski and Margie Monk. Mark is, I think, a world authority on the Titanic and I had the pleasure of being present at one of his talks. Few could fail to be inspired and engaged by his passion for this remarkable ship and the events that surrounded it.

Margie is an equally passionate Titanicist—this is a new word for today, I think—and it is through her that I have remained involved at such a great level. It is a special privilege for which I am very grateful. She is a balloon display artist and has managed to enlist similar people from all over Australia and beyond to use their creative skills and give their time to be involved in a year of planning, which will culminate at the dinner planned for Saturday 14 April 2012 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Adelaide will be the first place in the world, because of its place near the International Date Line, to commemorate the centenary, showcasing South Australia to the world. The event has been commissioned to raise awareness of cancer and to celebrate those who have found or are trying to find themselves again following trauma associated with this illness. National Breast Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia will benefit from the night's activities where, again, the balloon display artists will play a crucial role. They will do the work necessary to see an attempt for the Guinness World Record for what has been called the 'Balloon Drop of Courage'.

Guests will be encouraged to participate during the year in a variety of ways, with attending the dinner a highlight. The dinner will give the opportunity to dine in similar circumstances to those who embarked on the voyage a century ago. The captain's table will provide sumptuous food and amenity, the White Star class will provide a fine dining experience, and steerage will feature a hearty meal. The evening promises to be a night to remember—pun intended.

The event would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of many: the board of 1912 The Event, Balloon Artists and Suppliers Association of Australasia and countless other sponsors. Channel 9, Coast FM, VK5MGY, Mix 102.3 and Cruise 1323 AM are all involved, as are Alpen, Anagram, Premier Party, Qualatex, BOC, Contents Celebrations, Supagas, the Titanic & Steamship Historical Society of Australasia, Scouting SA, Harland and Wolff, Digital Print, Jet Oysters, Marina Pier, Life. Be in it, Pulteney Grammar School, Marryatville High School, Vili's, Wendy's, and many other groups. They will all be out in force to make sure the event is a success.

The Titanic launch workshops and reception on the night of Tuesday 31 May was also a success. Sir Eric and Lady Neale were there, along with my colleague the member for Schubert, to witness Mr John Jungfer (a descendant of SA Titanic survivor Evelyn Marsden) weigh a balloon anchor in Adelaide Arcade. It is still on display, along with a stylised Titanic hull and other balloon art, and I urge everyone to go along to visit.

The night also provided wonderful period music and dance performed by people in authentic period costume, and members of the Victoriana Society and the Australian Costumers Guild are to be thanked. I also thank the government (and, in particular, the Hon. John Rau), Tourism SA, Rundle Mall and Adelaide Arcade management, staff and retailers, TAFE SA, maritime artist John Ford, Chantelle Learey and waiting staff, and all other volunteers who generously donated their time and effort and the families supporting them.

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