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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-10-16 Daily Xml
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CAMBODIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (15:12): Thank you, Mr Acting Speaker. I would like to speak today about the Cambodian Association of South Australia and the good work they do within the community in my electorate. Their mission is to provide services and support to the local Cambodian-Australian community and the association currently has a membership base of around 300 people.

CASA was founded by Son Chhay and Bunchhong Mann in the early 1980s. I think it is interesting to note that Son Chhay was a pioneer in bridging the business relationship between South Australia and Cambodia. He returned to Cambodia after his university studies at Flinders University in Adelaide and was elected to the Cambodian parliament in 1993. I recently met him and he is a remarkable person.

I would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the current committee: President, Dany Yon; Vice President, Sarou Theav; Secretary, Sunlay Ly; and Treasurer, Sophin Kheav. Committee members include Dara Kiev, Bunrath Mann, Chharida Mann, Vinda-Kong, and public relations officer and long-time supporter of the community, Frank Althuzien.

According to the 2011 census, 893 people claim Cambodian ancestry in the electorate of Taylor, which is the largest out of all South Australian electorates. In fact, Taylor is home to 26 per cent of all people with Cambodian heritage in South Australia. Given these statistics, it should come as no surprise that there is a great need for services and information for new Cambodian migrants. Many of the CASA projects and activities address these needs and contribute to the preservation of Khmer culture in our state.

My office has attended the two previous AGMs since I became the member, the most recent being held last week on Saturday 12 October. CASA has been very keen to provide links between elderly Cambodian community members and mainstream respite care services. CASA also has a regular Khmer program broadcast with the local ethnic radio station, 5EBI fm. These radio broadcasts share local news in the Khmer language and are a valuable source of information for listeners.

A network of Cambodian international students has also recently joined the radio subcommittee, and I acknowledge the services of Sokchea 'Ray' Saing who also volunteers in my office and is a personal friend. Ray has brought a wealth of experience to my office and is a remarkable person in Cambodia himself. CASA is an example of the outstanding work volunteers do in our community through so many activities in Taylor. Their willing help for the community is heartfelt by other Cambodians as well. I commend their services and wish them every success in the future and will be alongside them to help as they improve their reach and depth of services.

The ACTING SPEAKER (Hon. P. Caica): My favourite member, the member for Schubert.

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