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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-09-18 Daily Xml
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Gawler SES

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:08): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Will the minister inform the council about the recent opening of the brand-new Gawler SES unit?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:08): I thank the member for his question and appreciate his interest in how the Malinauskas Labor government is continuing to deliver in the northern suburbs for emergency services. The government made an election commitment in 2022, and we are thrilled to deliver yet again on another election commitment for the betterment of local community. Strategically positioned between the existing SES units at Salisbury and Kapunda, this site significantly enhances our emergency response capacity. It will also serve as a critical hub for major incidents across the region, from the Barossa to Two Wells to Port Gawler and Virginia.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge someone whose tireless advocacy helped bring this vision to life, that being the member for Light, the Hon. Tony Piccolo. I know the honourable member has been a driving force behind the establishment of this unit. His perseverance and dedication have been instrumental in its success, and I thank him sincerely for his leadership in this space.

It is a special unit. I am advised that it is the first brand-new unit to be established in South Australia for the SES in 30 years. It has also received some design modifications to feature co-located change rooms so female volunteers can have the same access to facilities. I am advised this has been based on feedback from female volunteers where it was heard through lived experience that women felt at a disadvantage from being out of earshot from male change rooms. This is a significant and positive change, and I applaud the SES for taking on this feedback and creating a tangible change.

At the unit opening on Sunday, I was joined by the member for Light, who was able to advocate for this incredible outcome, volunteers from the community and also the youngest cadet, baby Oliver. From the Open Day, it was clear the Gawler community has embraced the initiative wholeheartedly. Recruitment efforts have been outstanding, with 43 members now part of the unit, including 30 new local recruits. There have also been 11 experienced members who have transferred from Salisbury SES. Their skills, commitment and community spirit are the backbone of this unit.

Since becoming operational on 12 August, just over a month ago, I am advised the Gawler SES had already responded to 44 requests for assistance, including the tornadoes that we have previously heard about in this chamber. Furthermore, their efforts during the severe storm event on 29 August, which I just mentioned, was one of those incidents that they did respond to. From day one, our volunteers have proven their value by responding swiftly and safely in serving the community.

Members of the Gawler unit have also supported interstate neighbours, deploying to New South Wales and Queensland during times of need. Their service reflects the very best of what it means to be part of the SES family. We know that one of the best ways to support our dedicated volunteers is to invest in the infrastructure and tools they need to protect and serve our communities.

That is why as part of the most recent budget measures we have committed $21 million in new funding for emergency services, including $2 million over four years for the ongoing replacement of drones used during many of our incidents to address hazards and assessments. These investments are about more than equipment. They are about empowering our volunteers to do what they do best: keeping our communities safe.

Thank you to the dedicated volunteers and staff at the SES who continue to show up in the community's time of need. Thank you to everyone who played a part in bringing this important project to life. To the Gawler unit managers, Chris and deputy Wayne, you are the envy of the SES community with a brand-new facility. I look forward to seeing your unit grow and thrive as a highly effective and valued part of the SES and wider community.

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