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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-02-07 Daily Xml
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Gibson Electorate Award Recipients

S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:15): I would like to take the opportunity today to acknowledge the recipients of recent awards in Gibson. At the City of Marion, the Citizen of the Year was awarded to Rob Gray. As it turns out, I had doorknocked Rob only the week before and, like so many volunteers, is modest about his contributions and did not mention the hours he gives to the Glandore Community Garden. Instead, we talked about trees and the impact of urban infill. He was particularly interested in our parliamentary committee inquiry into the urban forest and so it was a delight to see him receive the award for Citizen of the Year. He has contributed countless hours to the Glandore Community Garden in the member for Badcoe's electorate—work that really does make a difference for people and for our environment.

Sports Team of the Year in the City of Marion was awarded to the Marion Swimming Club, with club captains Ellysia and Clancy proudly receiving the award on behalf of the whole club—a club that creates champions, a club ably led by president Paul Conroy. In addition to supporting members' athletic improvement, they have also focused on creating an inclusive culture. In January this year, the Marion Swimming Club became the first club in South Australia and possibly Australia to create an Indigenous swimming cap. This was designed by club member Latoya, one of their youth members. This Indigenous cap not only represents her heritage on country but incorporates her connection to elders past and present. Congratulations Latoya.

At the City of Holdfast Bay, it was fabulous to see the weekly Community Meal provided by St Jude's, Brighton, win Event of the Year. Having volunteered there on numerous occasions to serve meals and having spent time chatting and connecting with diners, I recognise how valuable this service is. It may simply be a lunch, but volunteers spend days shopping, preparing, creating the roster, making the meals from early in the day, and that is because they always serve a three-course meal. You start with the soup and a toastie, you then get a hot meal and dessert, meeting all your nutritional needs. Thank you to the many volunteers at Brighton who make this happen.

I think it is worth noting, too, that people think of Brighton as a wealthy suburb and like all of our communities there is an underlayer that so many of us do not see. They are not visible when they are living in their cars or out in the rough, and it is so important that all communities find a way to support those most in need, and I thank St Jude's at Brighton for their work. In fact, Paul, who had one of the leading roles in the St Jude's Community Meal, was nominated at the City of Marion for Citizen of the Year, and it was fabulous to see him shortlisted having last year won the Westfield prize.

At the City of Holdfast Bay, the Active Citizenship award went to Virginia Summers. Those in our community will not be surprised by this. She collected this award having just been on stage as part of the contingent, receiving the Event of the Year award for her key role at the St Jude's Community Meal. Virginia helps source funds each month to ensure the meal can be provided on a weekly basis. She was also a key advocate to have Scouts and Guides included in the school Sports Voucher scheme, enabling more young people to get involved.

In fact, the first time I met Virginia was when I was doorknocking in the campaign, and of course she raised this with me and advocated strongly at that very first meeting and ever since, and I am so proud to be a part of achieving that expansion of the school Sports Voucher scheme in conjunction with our minister, Katrine Hildyard. In addition, Virginia also hosts an annual fundraiser for breast cancer research and volunteers for the Brighton Jetty Sculptures, another fabulous community event that has just concluded in my community.

As I wrap up, it is an opportunity once again in this house to thank the countless volunteers who make our community so much better.

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