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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-09-19 Daily Xml
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PEACHEY BELT

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (15:15): Today I would like to report to the house on birthday celebrations I attended on Sunday, when I represented the Minister for Social Inclusion (Hon. Ian Hunter). That was the 50th celebrations for the Peachey Belt held at Swallowcliffe Primary School in Davoren Park.

An honourable member interjecting:

Mr PICCOLO: Yes, I agree, we had much to celebrate. It was wonderful to see many original and new residents at the celebrations. Many have since moved away, and they came back to join in the celebrations, and the fact they came back for the celebrations is a testament to how strong that community's bonds and connections are. They came together that day to celebrate the milestone occasion and share memories, which also demonstrate true community spirit.

It was also an opportunity for the many people to reflect on the journey of their own lives that have taken place over the last 50 years, and those memories included: dusty paddocks slowly making way for new houses, shops, schools and ovals; unsealed roads and no footpaths; children playing in the streets, parks and schools; and families with high hopes for the future of their children and grandchildren. As the Lieutenant-Governor recounted about the hopes of a later generation of immigrants, they came to Australia with 'suitcases full of dreams'.

For most, those dreams have been realised. They have raised children and grandchildren and there have been many good times. There have also been some times which have been not so good. As the fortunes of the state fluctuated, so did the wellbeing of the Peachey Belt community. Despite their hardships, the local community has shown great resilience and stuck together. The celebrations on Sunday are testament to that resilience. The photographic display told stories of the highs and lows of that community.

The story of the Peachey Belt migrants is similar to that of other migrants throughout this community. They are stories about leaving behind family and friends for a new life across the other end of the world. Now their children, grandchildren and, in some cases, their great-grandchildren carry their legacy. I have great empathy with those people who were brave enough to leave their place of birth to find new opportunities for their families.

Despite some tough times, this community has survived and once again is prosperous. A lot has been achieved since 50 years ago, with many positive changes occurring and, although some are still to be achieved, a bright future lies ahead for the community. For example, the John Hartley B-7 school and the Mark Oliphant B-12 college have been built and provide a focal point for the local communities and great success. There are new community facilities such as a GP clinic, a childcare centre and improved transport services, as well as wetlands and bicycle paths. New commercial and retail facilities are on their way for the Curtis Road Town Centre that will offer employment and economic opportunities.

These developments, along with the hundreds of engagement, training and employment opportunities that have been undertaken through the life of the project, are ensuring that the future is looking bright for the Peachey Belt.

Five rounds of Playford Alive initiatives funding have resulted in more than $612,000 being given to 58 projects that provide community benefits in the area. These projects have improved educational outcomes, provided numerous activities and supported key groups, and range from training and employment programs to sporting activities and cultural events. Playford Alive also encourages community wellbeing through the Community Fun Day (in which many community groups, including my office, participate) and rewards efforts through the Local Heroes awards. RenewablesSA is working with the community to continue building on the successes and achievements of the past.

The strength of the Peachey Belt community has long been evident. The activities on Sunday would not have been possible without the efforts of a small group of people who take enormous pride in their community and its history and who want to shape and influence their community's future.

I would like in particular to thank Betty Alberton and Shirley Harris, two tireless community workers. I would like to thank the City of Playford, a number of a government agencies and also all those non-government agencies who work together for the betterment of the community which is in the Peachey Belt. All these people and these groups represent the very best of this community. I would like to thank these volunteers from Imagine Peachey for organising the wonderful celebration events, and happy birthday to the Peachey Belt.

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