In the role of local member of parliament, you have the opportunity and honour to meet a wide range of people from different backgrounds and circumstances. Two of those people who have had a lasting and positive impact on the way I view the history and wellbeing of Aboriginal people would be two incredible women, the late Mary Graham and the late Kayelene Brown.
I recently attended one of my local Gawler Rotary Club's 70th anniversary celebrations on Saturday night. Born from the vision of 24 dedicated individuals in 1954, the club has raised well over $1 million to initiate and support a wide range of projects to benefit not only our community but also those abroad.
I would like to speak in support of this motion and thank the member for bringing it before the house. As mentioned, 4 May marks St Florian's Day, also known as International Firefighters' Day. St Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.
I recently attended an event to launch a book marking the 70th anniversary of the St Francis of Assisi parish community at Newton. The book is more than a history of the parish, as important as that is; it is also a celebration of faith, family and the Italian community's contribution to the eastern suburbs of South Australia.
Today, I would like to honour the Coordinating Italian Committee, affectionately known as CIC, for their enduring impact on South Australians of Italian heritage. Coming to South Australia in those early postwar days would have been a very difficult decision for many Italians to make, including my parents. Back then, the pathway to acceptance, let alone success, was often long and difficult, and organisations like CIC have been there to support this community and make the journey a little easier.
Today I would like to share with the chamber a story of remarkable achievement in our region, a story that embodies the spirit of community and the power of education. This year, Trinity College celebrates its 40th anniversary, a milestone that marks four decades of unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering inclusive excellence.
In times of conflict often people get polarised in their views, and the current Israel-Palestine conflict is no different. Often it is very challenging to have a diversity of views expressed by a particular conflict. It takes very brave people to actually talk about a conflict and not toe the party line.
Last week, I held a forum for various ex-service organisations that service my area, not only in my electorate but also the region, so this area would cover the Barossa, Gawler and Northern Adelaide Plains.
I rise in support of this motion and thank the member for Bragg for bringing it to the chamber. Harmony Week is a celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.
On Saturday afternoon from 2pm to the following Sunday morning at 9am, the Gawler Relay for Life committee held their annual event. This important fundraiser raises funds for cancer research through the Cancer Council. The weekend event has raised $64,110 up to now, but donations can still be given for up to another four weeks.