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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2017-05-10 Daily Xml
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Community Events

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:19): Everyone matters. I know that the contributions of everyone in this state matter because of the wonderful, positive and selfless acts I see as I move around the Florey electorate, the north-eastern suburbs and more broadly. On Monday 24 April, I saw veterans of the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong at the Royal Australian Regiment Association's Burnside rooms. I listened to Dr Donald Beard's eyewitness account in his commemorative address as a Kapyong veteran himself charged on the days between 23 and 25 April with the medical care of casualties and worse. It was the closest I hope I ever get to a battlefield and I thank all who have, all who are and all who will serve their country for their service.

Again on 24 April, as an ambassador for the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, I attended the Governor's visit to see and learn more about the research projects underway. Following the welcome of Professor Gary Wittert, the foundation's director, the Governor acknowledged incoming members of the board of patrons and congratulated new scholarship students and later attended a briefing with key representatives of the centre. One of the projects I saw there that I was particularly interested in concerned research into helping farmers and men on the land cope with the many health issues they face with the message of early intervention, which is a very important part of all health issues.

Later that same day, I took part in the ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil at the National War Memorial on North Terrace, also attended by the Governor and Mrs Le. This is now one of 13 such services held throughout the state. Young members of service organisations attended, such as the Girl Guides, the SES—I note today is SES Day, which is why some of my colleagues are wearing orange—the CFS, the Surf Life Saving and many other groups. A very impressive young man, Sam Doering from Faith Lutheran College, gave an address and an equally eloquent vote of thanks was given by 14-year-old Fletcher from Surf Life Saving South Australia.

The Salisbury RSL welcomed me to their dawn service, which was very well attended and supported by the Salisbury City Band. Bands play (pardon the pun) a very important part in such services. They then travelled to the city to be part of the march at 10am, so it was a long day for them.

Because of my Italian heritage, I also attended Com.It.Es South Australia's commemoration of the 76th anniversary of Italy's Festa della Liberazione. This is a day of national significance as it marks the end of the Italian Civil War and Nazi occupation during World War II, the end of 22 years of fascist rule and five years of war. Many Italians resisted the occupation and dictatorship and suffered greatly. Their courage is remembered and honoured on 25 April.

On 28 April, I also saw families united in grief at this year's service of Victims of Industrial Death. I acknowledge the work of all those who help families come to understand the situations they face. Later that day, also with the Governor and Mrs Le, I attended the Tea Tree Gully Rotary Handover Dinner. We all know about the work of the Rotary clubs in South Australia.

On 29 April, along with minister Bettison and many other MPs, I was welcomed by members of the East Turkistan Australian Association to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of their community in Australia. This wonderful group of people have also faced hardship in their homeland and they are now proud to call Australia home. Many young people and children made the evening wonderful with entertainment. During the evening, it was great to speak with Libby Hogarth, whose advocacy on behalf of this community is well known. She is a tireless worker for refugees, especially those from the East Turkistan area.

That night, I was also able to attend the final night of the Calisthenic Association of South Australia's Graceful Girl competition at the Royalty Theatre. Senior champion, Elyse Pavan, who was coached by Melissa Lydyard from the Marden club, gave a marvellous performance among the 17 outstanding routines—even to make the finals makes you a winner.

I would also like to congratulate Gracie Lovelock from the Brighton club, coached by Sharni Truscott, who won the intermediate 15 to 16-year-old championship division, which makes her the holder of the Frances Bedford trophy for the year 2017. Thanks to president, John Maguire; all the adjudicators, writers, coaches, clubs and competitors; and the families, of course, who support their girls in the competition. As a CASA and ACF patron, I wish all of them well in Sydney in July for the nationals.

The weekend of 6 May saw Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier. Modbury High School competed, continuing a fine tradition under the care of Rosie Carr. I was there in spirit, as I was for the Loxton heat of the Pedal Prix, another wonderful annual event I am very proud to be associated with. May Day was commemorated that weekend with the annual city march following on from the May Day dinner earlier in the week. Sadly, not everyone remembers the struggle that is commemorated, and there are many who are no longer with us remembered at the Port Adelaide Workers Memorial on the Sunday immediately after May Day. I attended garage sales at the Churches of Christ and the St Luke Anglican Church.

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