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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-07-18 Daily Xml
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COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:47): I rise to highlight some community initiatives that have strong local government support. Firstly, I was pleased to accept an invitation from the Pooraka Farm Community Centre and the City of Salisbury to the official opening of the Pooraka Farm Men's Shed on Sunday 17 June. The official opening was a fun and informative day which showcased the Men's Shed as a place for all men from a wide variety of backgrounds and circumstances to come together and engage in activities of interest. The Men's Shed aims to connect men from within the community and surrounding areas to become involved in community projects, woodwork and other leisure activities. The Men's Shed provides a friendly environment for men to learn new skills, improve old ones and meet new people.

The guest speaker on the day was Dr Leon Earle, known as the Men's Shed Champion and also a Local Hero in the 2012 Australia Day awards. The opening was hosted by Bryce Routley, a Salisbury Living Legend, and consisted of an official opening ceremony followed by a variety of activities to participate in, demonstrations and information stalls.

The event was a collaboration of efforts from many members of the Pooraka community, but I particularly want to mention that the collaboration was largely inspired by the efforts of Heather Hewitt, the coordinator of the Pooraka Farm Community Centre. Heather is one of those ladies who gets things done. She sees something that she thinks will benefit the community and she is very good at urging others to help effect such a vision, so I particularly congratulate her for her efforts. I also acknowledge the funding assistance that was provided by Community Benefit SA. Rather than the cutting of a ribbon on the day, the opening of the men's shed was marked by the hand sawing of three pieces of wood.

I would also like to speak about an event which was held on Tuesday 19 June, known as Lifting the mask: let's talk about the 'S' word. This was a free community forum sponsored by the City of Playford and the Rotary Club of Elizabeth. More than 250 people attended this forum at the Shedley Theatre in Elizabeth. It had a particular focus on suicide prevention and resilience. The special guest and forum convenor was Dorinda Hafner, and the keynote speaker was Mr Adrian Booth, clinical psychologist and beyondblue board member who talked specifically about resilience and optimistic thinking. There was a panel which was convened by Dorinda Hafner, and the panel members discussed a hypothetical case study of someone who was at risk of committing suicide.

Panel members included Professor Nicholas Procter, self-harm in refugees/CALD communities; Dr Eli Rafalowicz, Clinical Director of Northern Mental Health; Jill Chapman from Minimisation of Suicide Harm (MOSH); Alexandra Lauterbach from Lifeline; Stacey Roy from Adelaide Northern headspace; Linda Ladhams, peer specialist, Northern Mental Health; Michelle Ward, occupational therapist, Northern Mental Health; and Tauto Sansbury, Aboriginal cultural consultant.

I particularly want to single out Jill Chapman for the work she does with MOSH. It is a terrific organisation that works with families who have been affected by suicide and also works with communities to prevent suicide. Finally, I wish to give great credit to Maria Callander, Coordinator, Social Inclusion and Access, at the City of Playford, for her leadership in facilitating this forum.

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