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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-06-21 Daily Xml
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PREMIER'S COMMUNITY INITIATIVES FUND

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (15:33): The Premier's Community Initiatives Fund is a fantastic initiative of the Rann Labor government as it provides financial assistance to South Australian-based not-for-profit organisations which help disadvantaged, disabled or socially isolated members of the community. I was particularly pleased to see that really worthy group from my electorate of Mitchell has recently received a grant under the fund, and I would like to speak about this organisation today.

Known as the Sammy D Foundation, its mission statement is to encourage youth to reach the maximum life potential with an emphasis of empowering young people to make safe and positive life choices. The foundation was established a couple of years ago by parents Nat and Neil in honour of their son Sam Davis, a 17 year old young man from the southern suburbs who died as a result of a violent assault at a party in May 2008.

It was a reminder, as was the death of cricket legend David Hookes four years earlier, that one punch can kill. What a tragedy, the loss of a young man with so much passion for life, so much love for his family and friends and so much talent for sport. I knew Sam and his father Neil through playing indoor cricket at the Morphett Vale ICA. Sam was a hard working and talented young man. He played his most loved Aussie rules with underage teams at Happy Valley and the South Adelaide Football Club, indoor and indoor and outdoor cricket with the Morphett Vale Sharks and he made state soccer teams at an early age. He went to rugby sevens, indoor netball and even carpet bowls. He was simply outstanding at anything physical.

As well as being a great sportsman with a blossoming football career at the Panthers, he was also a loyal friend, always willing to stick up for others. It is hardly surprising that, due to the impact he had on virtually everyone he met, as many as 2,000 people attended his funeral. His family, including his parents Neil and Nat, has tried to ensure that some good comes out of Sammy's tragic death. They knew that it was his wish for his organs to be donated. The fact that the family had had this conversation before it was too late meant it was easier for them to ensure other people would have a second chance at life.

As I mentioned, a great deal of good also comes out of the Sammy D Foundation. Its principal aim is the prevention of harm, specifically from physical, emotional and substance abuse. While its programs offer simple advice to equip people of all ages with ways to prevent harm, its main target group is young people aged eight to 24, a group at high risk of being victims or perpetrators of these types of abuse.

Through the Sammy D Impact program, the foundation gives interactive presentations in schools and for community groups to raise awareness about risky behaviours, poor choices and situations that can lead to violence. The Connect program teams at-risk youth with sports clubs, community groups and schemes that promote positive life choices and getting involved. It is based on the premise that being part of positive, structured activities can reduce the incidence of alcohol and other drug addiction and lead to positive social and development impacts. Those in Connect are mentored and provided with financial and social support while they are part of the program. The support continues with a further follow-up in the years following their involvement.

The third arm of the Sammy D Foundation's harm prevention activities is Partywise. This is a program aimed at providing safe party strategies. The foundation has begun developing information packs with guidelines for holding safer parties. These will be available at foundation Partywise forums, with Partywise also featuring in senior school workshops. In an age in which social media dominates communication channels among young people, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers of party invitations going viral.

As a parent, I cannot comprehend the pain of losing a child, but I can acknowledge the path, courage and determination Nat and Neil have taken to establish and grow the foundation. There are many lessons to be learned from Sam Davis's death and his life. I would recommend that anybody who wants more information or who wishes to support the foundation makes contact with the Sammy D Foundation.

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