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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-11-26 Daily Xml
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GILES ELECTORATE

The Hon. L.R. BREUER (Giles) (15:52): This is my last grievance in parliament, so it had better be a good one. Last week, I attended two celebrations of 50 years in Whyalla. The first was 50 years of Des's Cabs in Whyalla. The company was started some 50 years ago by brothers Des and Trevor Brougham. I believe it has become one of the most reliable and professional cab services in Australia. It has widened its forefront not just in Whyalla but into Port Augusta and also into Adelaide. I must admit, I always get very homesick when I see a Des's Cab in Adelaide.

It is a great tribute to brothers Chris, Kym and Lee Brougham for their hard work, professionalism and excellent service, and also their brother Brett who sadly passed away at an early age a few years ago. I must say that he has left a wonderful legacy in his son Blake, who has turned into the most beautiful, intelligent and articulate young man, beyond his 10 or 11 years of age.

It was a night of fun and it was really wonderful to see so many drivers, past and present. It was touched by the tragedy of the Whyalla Airlines disaster because, of course, Whyalla Airlines was owned by Des's Cabs. When it was recalled, it left not a dry eye in the place. We all remembered the time and the trauma. My congratulations and best wishes to Des's Cabs on the work and services they have provided in Whyalla and I certainly look forward to another 50 years of Des's Cabs.

I also attended the 50th anniversary of the Whyalla Special School. The Whyalla Special School was established some 50 years ago. They are just about to move into some new premises, which look wonderful from the outside. I have not had a tour yet, but I hope to do so very shortly. Over the years, I have had a lot to do with the Whyalla Special School and I have watched many young people grow from little children into adults who have gone through that school.

What I have seen is the dedication, care and love that has been provided to these children in their time in the school, and also the support for their parents. It is a wonderful school. It is a major asset for Whyalla, so a big thank you from our community and best wishes for the next 50 years. I have to say that Whyalla Special School is a very special school in Whyalla.

I also want to pay tribute to Constable Dean Walker of Coober Pedy, who was recently awarded the South Australian Local Hero award for his contribution to policing and community building in the state's Far North. I know he has been helping Indigenous offenders to get back on track during his time working there, and he typifies the role that Aboriginal police officers have played in Coober Pedy and the Far North of the state. I know Dean, I have long admired his work, and I am very pleased that he has been recognised. I know his father Robin is very proud of him. Robin has also been a wonderful community worker for the Aboriginal community of Coober Pedy, and it is good to see that Dean has followed in his footsteps.

There have been other Aboriginal police officers who have worked in Coober Pedy, and it is very difficult for them. They often work with family and community, and they have very serious demands put on them, far beyond what other officers may have. Some years ago there was someone called Jack Crombie who was very active, and who was a forerunner for these young officers that are there now. He did some great community work. There was Patrick Larkins, a football hero in Coober Pedy; he has been very involved in the community over the years and has taught me a lot. There is also Zed McKenzie; again, very well respected and a great footballer as well. They have been involved in the Coober Pedy Saints and done some wonderful work with young people. Chris Warrior is another, a great big man who has done some great work.

There have been others, and I apologise if I have omitted any of them, but these officers are particularly known to me and I recognise and acknowledge the role they have played in the Coober Pedy community. It is a unique role; they are not only officers but also pillars of the community.

Finally, I would like to mention the Whyalla Hospital developments that were opened last week by the Minister for Health. We thought we were getting a new cancer service in Whyalla, and we have ended up with a new hospital. It is just amazing. I am so impressed at the work they have done there with the money that was allocated to it; they have managed to stretch that and build us a whole new facade, new accommodation, new theatres, new wards. It has a whole new, light and pleasant atmosphere and Whyalla is so grateful for it.

So I really want to very much thank former minister John Hill for his efforts in starting this process. It was also wonderful to see minister Snelling there, who carried on the process. He made an excellent speech and people were very pleased to meet him and to talk to him. So, we are very impressed with our new hospital. Thank you very much.

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