At Your Service

LIGHT ELECTORATE OFFICE | 148 Murray Street, Gawler SA 5118 | ph. 8522 2878 | fax. 8523 1392 | light@parliament.sa.gov.au | www.tonypiccolo.org |

News and Views for the Light Electorate | Published by Tony Piccolo MP | Edition 13, October 2009

Farmers Back Inquiry 4 State Budget

Highlights 5Peachey Proud 3

This week (11th -18th October) marks service club week in South Australia. A number of events and activities will be held to acknowledge the contribution that ser vice c lubs make to our communities.

Th e e n o r m o u s co nt r i b u t i o n t h at volunteers, and in particular, service clubs make to local communities has been acknowledged in State Parliament by the Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP.

Mr Piccolo has taken the opportunity to “acknowledge, honour and celebrate” the contributions and achievements of volunteers in the community.

Mr Piccolo informed state parliament that the electorate of Light was “very fortunate to have a strong volunteering spirit.”

“In fact, there is not one walk of life throughout my community where volunteers are not involved.” said Mr

Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said the service clubs of Gawler helped run and manage most of the general community events within the town.

“Without this army of volunteers many of the community events would simply not occur.”

“All the funds they raise are re-invested into the community through countless projects from school breakfast programs to the recently constructed Remembrance garden within Pioneer Park”.

“While I would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution economically that volunteers make to our community and society, I think that is outweighed by the social and cultural benefits.”

“For example, the lives of many isolated people are enriched by the work

of volunteers, and we do not often acknowledge that “

“Volunteers are often the connection to society and the community for many people.”

Mr Piccolo said often the contribution that volunteers make is not acknowledged until the volunteers are not there.

“I ask members [of parliament] to imagine their own community without volunteers.”

A member of the Gawler Lions Club, Mr Piccolo urges community members to consider joining one of the local service clubs.

“You can make a great contribution to your community while having fun doing it.”

Go to the back page to find your guide to the local service clubs.

Willo’s Doing Well 6

Piccolo Heads Volunteer GroupLight MP Mr Tony Piccolo has recently been appointed as Chair of the Volunteer Ministerial Advisory Group (VMAG).

VMAG provides the State Government, through the Minister for Volunteers, with advice on volunteer and volunteering issues.

Mr Piccolo said he was honoured to be appointed to the position as this is the key advisory group in South Australia in relation to volunteers and volunteering.

“I am looking forward to this great challenge to help the volunteer sector to thrive and grow “said Mr Piccolo.

“ I look for ward to hear ing f rom volunteers in the local community of the challenges they face and what policies the government could introduce to support the sustainability and growth of volunteering in South Australia”

“The importance of volunteering to the wellbeing of the state is recognised in the State Strategic Plan.”

VMAG has 20 representatives from a wide range of volunteer and not for profit organisations who meet quarterly to provide advice to the Minister for Volunteers, the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP.

Mr Koutsantonis said Mr Piccolo had been instrumental in pioneering the first Volunteer Resource Centre and Community Based Volunteer Charters when he was Mayor of the Town of Gawler.

“VMAG can do a great deal to encourage governments to adopt policies that support the volunteer effort in the State” said Mr Piccolo.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo with representatives from Gawler based service clubs. (From rear left) Jill Talbot, Zonta; Eric Filmer, Lions Club; Carmel Rosier, Gawler Light Rotary, Pamela Jahn, Country Women’s Association; (From front left) Margaret Hague, Kiwanis; Klaus Retelsdorf Rotary; Jim Seridis, Apex; (Missing Gawler Women’s Apex Club).

Ms Janet Stone (Volunteering SA); Leanne Powell (CEO, Lifeline); Cathy Chong (Multicultural Communities of SA); The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Volunteers; Tony Piccolo MP; Monika Klein, Regional Communities Council; David Mitchell (Trees for Life).

2 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 13, October2009

NEWS IN BRIEF

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo has called for additional alterations to the Gawler Railway Station as part of the current upgrade program.

Mr Piccolo said, while the improvements to the car park facilities there are welcome, feedback he has received from the community would indicate more can be done to improve the overall ride and comfort for commuters.

At a recent community forum c o nve n e d b y M r P i c c o l o, representatives from seniors groups said that the station could be improved by reducing the step-up gap on the centre platform and the provision of

Local women with an Italian cultural background have told the stories of their lives in Australia as part of the Gawler Significant Women Project sponsored by the Gawler Branch of Zonta.

The women, in their 70s and 80s told of the families they left behind in their villages in Italy and their first impressions of their new country.

The gathering was arranged by local MP Mr Tony Piccolo who has spoken in State Parliament about the project.

Mr Piccolo said they found the

Italian Women Tell Their Stories

Strength Through Diversity

editorial

For further information on any article, please contact the light

electorate office or emaillight@parliament.sa.gov.au

This edition of Enlightened reflects the diversity of the Light electorate.

The electorate comprises numerous communities, reflecting a range of economic, social and cultural backgrounds. While with this diversity comes challenges, the strengths make it a vibrant and interesting electorate.

Our page one story pays tribute to the army of volunteers who selflessly help build community and bring hope to many. It is fitting that we acknowledge and honour the work of our local service clubs during service club week.

Volunteers are also to the fore in our page ten story “Willo’s Doing Well”. This group of volunteers provide support and encouragement to men in our community. With a focus on men’s health, Willo’s Men’s Shed at Willaston is a beacon of light for those men who are doing it tough at this point of time in their lives.

On page two, local women of Italian heritage tell the stories of their journeys from Italy to Australia. Despite the hardship they talk fondly of their lives in Australia and how their families have prospered in their new home.

Peachey Belt residents come out strongly in support of their community in our page three story “Peachey Proud”. Long time residents of the Peachey Belt are sick and tired of the way that some media have portrayed their community.

Local farmers have welcomed (page four) the inquiry into farm machinery established by the Economic and Finance Committee of Parliament. The inquiry proposed by Light MP Tony Piccolo will enable farmers to air their grievances regarding the performance of farm machinery and equipment.

Two local schools have celebrated major milestones this year. Trinity College Gawler its 25th anniversary while Xavier College celebrated 15 years of Catholic secondary education in the area. Both their journeys are described on page eleven.

On page nine you will find details of some of the highlights from this year’s State Budget.

We trust you find this edition both interesting and enjoyable and gain a deeper insight to the communities that comprise the Light electorate.

Your feedback is most welcome. If you have any story suggestions or issues you would like us to cover in our next edition (our Christmas edition) let us know before the end of October.

Gawler Scrabble Club

Small group of players meetingin the Gawler Library Reading room

every Thursday from 1:30pm until 4:30pm

cost $2.00

no membership fees

Phone Gina on (08) 8523 0583

Gawler Station Upgrade Welcomeddisability friendly toilets.

Mr Piccolo has called on the State Government and the D epar tment for Transpor t Energy and Infrastructure to investigate ways to encompass these suggestions in its upgrade program.

As part of the upgrade 60 additional car parks will be provided to train users and additional lighting and CCTV security cameras will be installed to improve commuter safety at the station.

In State Parliament, Minister for Transport, Hon Patrick Conlon MP said “as a result of the work done by Tony Piccolo, there are

60 extra car parks out there.”

Lest We Forget Remembrance Day 11AM, 11 November

landscape very different and the language a great challenge. Many of the women came to South Australia because they had other family already here and who sponsored their migration to Australia.

Most of the women came with their families, some with young children, while others came to be re-united with their fiancé or husband.

The women talked about some of the prejudice they experienced, but were pleased that their choice to migrate had given their children better educational and employment

opportunities than they would have had in Italy.

While somewhat reticent to talk about themselves, they spoke with great pride about the achievements of their children and grand children.

“Their life has been defined by their commitment to their families” said Mr Piccolo.

W h i l e a p p r e c i a t i v e o f t h e opportunities Australia has given them and their families the women strongly believe that they have t h e m s e l ve s m a d e a p o s i t i ve contribution to Australian society through their “sound family values” and strong work ethic.

The project has been undertaken in close cooperation with the Town of Gawler Public Library, which has set up a special public access archive for all the stories collected.

The discussion was led by local resident Ms Judy Gillett-Ferguson while Ms Marylisa Beltrame from Austral ia Donna helped with interpreting their stories into English.

The women’s stories will be published later this year. It is proposed to record the histories of women from other cultural backgrounds over the next twelve months.

Cartoon by George Aldridge.

Back Row: Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo, Mrs Laura Marin, Mrs Nicolina Bonato (Pettina), Mrs Maria Seridis (Pettina), Ms Marylisa Beltrame (interpreter)Front Row: Mrs Maria Piccolo, Ms Judy Gillett-Ferguson (Significant women’s Project Co-coordinator), Mrs Angela Iengo, and Mrs Gelsomina Penna.

Light MP Tony Piccolo highlighting “gap” in the platform.

LOCAL NEWS

Edition 13, October 2009 | ENLIGHTENED | 3

Public Transport for Peachey and Angle Vale

Public Transport services are set to improve in the Peachey Belt and Angle Vale area following a campaign supported by local MP, Tony Piccolo.

The proposed new services will focus on improving access to the John McVeity Community Centre on Peachey Road, Smithfield Plains and the provision of a Dial-A-Ride style service to residents in the Angle Vale Township.

Local State Member of Parliament Mr Tony Piccolo said earlier this month, residents and community groups in the Peachy Belt were finding it difficult to access the various services provide at the community centre.

Mr Piccolo said more is on offer from the centre but many people are missing out because of the lack of public transport services in the area.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said this week that some funding had been made in the 2009/10 budget to provide public transport services for the Angle Vale township.

The announcement follows a three year campaign by Mr Piccolo to get the State Government to improve public transport in that part of his electorate.

Mr Piccolo said the Government was now exploring whether a service modelled on the highly successful Gawler Dial a Ride would work in Angle Vale.

Residents in both areas received a questionnaire from Mr Piccolo to help authorities design a service that will best meet the demands of as many people as possible.

In relation to the proposed Angle Vale service, Mr Piccolo said it was important that any public transport service was flexible and cost efficient to ensure its sustainability in the long term.

“It would be disastrous to have a repeat of the effort by the previous Liberal Government, that rushed in to provide a bus service and then shut it down after six months.”

Residents Win SA Water ConcessionResidents in Munno Para West are the first to benefit from a change in policy by SA Water in relation to charging a standard capital contribution for the extension of a sewer main when no connection occurs.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo has welcomed the decision by SA Water to overturn its long standing pol ic y to charge compulsory standard capital contributions to residents when a sewer main passes by their property irrespective of whether they connect to the service.

In response to complaints from Munno Para West residents Mr Piccolo has lobbied the State Government over the charging of the capital contribution.

Mr Piccolo said that he found the charge”difficult to justify to residents” and requested that the policy be reviewed.

Af ter a long campaign of lobbying by Mr Piccolo and local residents, SA Water undertook a

review of the policy.

SA Water has amended the policy such that the liability for the standard capital contribution does not have to be paid until an actual connection takes place.

Mr Piccolo said the change in policy saves residents up to $5,000.

“The charge will now only have

to be paid when the connection occurs” said Mr Piccolo.

“The new policy is much fairer and justifiable” Mr Piccolo said.

Residents had also sought the removal of quarterly charges, but SA Water has not amended that policy at this time. It is understood that change may require legislative changes.

Ramping Up Rail SafetyTrans Adelaide has installed a new exit point near the western shelter and a disability compliant ramp where young people regularly jump.

Regular train user, and Member for Light, Mr Tony Piccolo MP said that he had requested changes to the platform when he had noticed many younger users jumping the platform fence to access the car park rather than walking around.

Mr Piccolo said that while he acknowledged that users should

use the existing exit and entry points he was concerned for the safety of the younger people jumping the fence.

Mr Piccolo said that many young people were “fence jumping”, so the risk for a death or permanent injury was high.

Mr Piccolo said while people s h o u l d a c c e p t p e r s o n a l responsibility for their behaviour we also need to encourage young people to do the right thing.

Local MP Tony Piccolo has called on the state wide media to stop “trashing” the Peachey Belt.

In a strong speech to State Parliament recently, Mr Piccolo said the ongoing representation of the Peachey Belt in the media has left the community reeling and feeling stigmatised.

Mr Piccolo told parliament that “this fantastic community has been unjustly targeted by various state media outlets.

“I can say that an overwhelming majority of residents in the Peachey Belt are proud, that is, they are Peachey Proud.” Mr Piccolo told State Parliament.

“ This unfair repor t ing not only influences how the wider community views the Peachey Belt and its residents but, more importantly, how local residents

We’re Peachey Proud

see themselves.”

Mr Piccolo warned that the greatest losers in this vicious cycle of stigmatisation are the young people who l ive in the area and have so much to contribute to the Peachey Belt and the State.

“How can we expect them [young people] to believe in themselves when the rest of the community (as demonstrated through the media) does not?” he asked.

“The media needs to be more balanced in its reporting and should consider the many success stories from the area.”

Mr Piccolo said when you speak with residents and get to know them; you soon learn it is also the ‘streets of many successes’.

Local resident Mrs Alberton said

she has lived in Davoren Park for 47 years and loves the fantastic at m o s p h e re a n d s e n s e o f community. “I have nothing but pride for the area and its people” she said.

Bob and Mary Gosling agree. Having raised 5 children in the area they believe the Peachey Belt is a great place to live and raise a family.

“Everything is close by and convenient including shops and schools, who could ask for anything more!” they said.

Shirley and Jim Styles who have in area since 1963 said they know of 7 families in my street alone that have lived in the area for over 40 years.

“That alone is testament to the great lifestyle this area has to offer” they said.

At the John McVeity Centre, Yvonne White - Centre Co-Coordinator, Angie Parrish - Centre Manager and Local MP Tony Piccolo.

Light MP Tony Piccolo with “proud” Peachey Belt residents; Bob and Mary Gosling; Shirley and Jim Styles; Betty Alberton, Ricky Williams (rear); Evelyn Holliday and Shirley Harris.

Tony Piccolo MP with Munno Para west residents; Mrs Evelyn Kouimtzis, Tim Bradley and Stuart Hartwell.

Farmers Welcome Inquiry

SA farmers will be able to air their grievances about the performance of agricultural machiner y and equipment m a n u f a c t u r e r s b e f o r e a parliamentary inquiry.

At its meeting this morning the Economic and Finance Committee of State Parliament adopted a motion put forward by Labor MP, Mr Tony Piccolo, to establish the enquiry to investigate whether existing laws provide farmers with adequate w a r r a n t y p r o t e c t i o n a n d grievance resolution procedures in relation to farm machinery and equipment.

The inquiry has been welcomed by the SA Farmers Federation (SAFF) but was strongly opposed by the Liberal Party members of the committee.

Mr Piccolo said the inquiry would

Centenary Book Launched

A book commemorating the history of the labour movement in Gawler was officially launched recently by the State Minister for Industrial Relations the Hon. Paul Caica MP.

In launching the booklet Mr Caica said an “early focus for the members of the Gawler Sub Branch was the manufacturing workforce at James Martin”.

“Over the last century, the local economy has diversif ied to include workers involved in a variety of industries including agriculture, wine, retail, education and tourism.” said Mr Caica.

Mr Caica noted that “members of [the] Sub-Branch have been actively involved in agitating for better outcomes for working people at the national and international level”.

“Members have also lived through campaigns for the 8-hour-day, major strikes and concern for the wellbeing of workers who served our country in the World Wars and in more recent conflicts.” he said.

“It remains a challenging time for those of us with true labour values.”

Local MP Tony Piccolo joined South Australian Premier, Hon Mike Rann MP and Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Hon Anthony Albanese MP to witness the opening of the first of 15 bridges to cross the Northern Expressway (NEXY).

Once completed, the $564 Northern Expressway (which is already ahead of schedule) will provide a rapid and efficient c o n n e c t i o n f o r p r i m a r y producers and manufacturers in the Northern region of Adelaide and the states north, to export facilities in Port Adelaide.

M i n i s t e r A l b a n e s e s a i d t h e N o r t h e r n E x p r e s s w a y project was a best practice par tnership between state a n d fe d e ra l g ove r n m e n t s’ construction contractors and the local community, with many employees’ residents of the surrounding area.

In excess of 2,000 people have been employed on this project and more than 130 local sub-contracting firms have been engaged as part of this $564 million expressway.

NEXY Bridges the Gap

compliment the good work already been undertaken by SAFF.

Mr Piccolo said the inquiry was prompted by complaints he had received from farmers who had lost tens of thousands of dollars in legal costs allegedly trying to get manufacturers to undertake repairs to faulty equipment and machinery.

Mr Piccolo said the inquiry will provide farmers with the opportunity to tell their story without the fear of legal action or retribution by manufactures.

The inquiry will also investigate w h e t h e r a n y w e a k n e s s e s in existing laws are having an adverse impact on farm productivity and viability.

“The parliamentary inquiry will assess whether existing laws

provide farmers with sufficient protection and whether there are sufficient avenues to have their grievances resolved.” said Mr Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said the other issue relates to the safety concerns raised from machinery and equipment that is faulty and where the manufacturer refuses to take the necessary action.

M r Pi c c o l o s a i d t h a t t h e Co m m i t t e e wo u l d l i k e t o hear from farmers who have experienced significant problems with manufacturers refusing to undertake repairs or replace faulty equipment and machinery.

Mr Piccolo said he could be contacted on 85 22 2878 or via email at light@parliament.sa.gov.au if any farmer wanted further information about the inquiry.

LOCAL NEWS

Mr Caica finished his launch speech with a quote from the 1908 Bunyip article: “The desire of Labor men [and women] was to leave the world a little better than they found it.”

“I’d say the Members of the Gawler Sub-Branch have done more than that”.

“The efforts of past members and the continuing commitment of current members, has contributed significantly to the economic and social wellbeing of people throughout the Gawler area” he said.

Member for Light, Mr Tony Piccolo MP said the book titled “What the people will, they can “details the history of the trade union movement and the birth of the Australian Labor Party in Gawler.

The book launch was an official Gawler “History Week” event.

The book’s author is local student Layla Clarke, who prepared the manuscript as a report for Mr Piccolo as component of her Parliamentary Internship in the Light Electorate Office.

Mr Piccolo also joined Minister Albanese to officially open the duplication of the Sturt highway between Gawler and Daveyston.

“The duplicated highway will provide a safer road for local and interstate motorists alike” he said.

In addition, “the new truck stop and rest area at Lauke’s Mill will provide travellers with safe location to pull over and have a break before they head on through Gawler and down to Adelaide” he said.

“Fatigue and inattentiveness is a major killer on our roads and the Government has displayed a commonsense approach by providing rest stops like this one (Lauke’s Mill) to assist motorists in managing tiredness and fatigue.”

The duplication project was not only completed ahead of time but below budget, meaning money saved will be invested into further improvements on the Sturt Highway.

Both projects are an example o f t h e Fe d e ra l a n d S t a te Governments working together to deliver road safety benefits.

4| ENLIGHTENED | Edition 13, October 2009

Federal Transport & Infrastructure Minister, The Hon Anthony Albanese, Premier Mike Rann, Member for Wakefield Nick Champion, Light MP Tony Piccolo and local residents Pat and Michael Virgara and NEXY Director Luigi Rossi.

Janet Giles, Secretary SA Unions, the Hon Paul Caica MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, author Layla Clarke, and Light MP Tony Piccolo at the launch of the history book.

Local famers John Lush, Andrew Leaney, Charles Tuesner, John Clifton and Andrew and Malcolm Lucas with Light MP Tony Piccolo have welcomed the inquiry.

STATE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Edition 13, October 2009 | ENLIGHTENED | 5

Cycling To The CityThe ability to cycle from Gawler to the city could soon become a reality as part of the State Government’s $2.6 billion public transport program.

The Minister for Transport the Hon Pat Conlon has authorised “a study looking at the feasibility of a cycling route following the Adelaide to Gawler rail line”.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said that he had been advised that the study would be conducted as part of the electrification of the Adelaide to Gawler train line.

“The study would ensure that facilities are provided for cyclists in an integrated manner”. said Mr Piccolo.

The most important numbers in the 2009 State Budget are the jobs we’ll secure for our future.

Working with the Commonwealth, we’ll provide a record investment of $11.4 billion in infrastructure over four years supporting nearly 14,000 jobs in 2009-10 alone.

This includes:

$3 billion on transport•

$3 billion on water•

$1.2 billion on families and •communities$1.2 billion on health•

$1 billion on education.•

Message from the PremierThe State Government is making the tough decisions in these hard economic times. The State’s finances have been hit by the global financial crisis and the associated downturn in business and consumer activity.

The State Government has to make savings where it can. We’re doing this by canceling the building of the new prisons and seeking to cap public service wage settlements at 2.5% per year.

But South Australia is in a better position than many jurisdictions to weather the storm.

Over the past seven years, the State Government has delivered surplus budgets, eliminated the State Budget debt and managed the State’sfinances responsibly.

And we have to help keep the State moving forward by building jobs.

The 2009-10 State Budget will directly support nearly 14,000 jobs and secure the jobs of many more South Australians as we continue investing in building schools, hospitals, roads, better public transport and a desalination plant for Adelaide.

Mike RannPremier of South Australia

Building Water SecurityThis budget includes $3 billion over 4 years to build better water infrastructure.

This includes:$833 million in 2009-10 to •help build a Desalination Plant for Adelaide.414 million over four years •to upgrade wastewater treatment plants and water recycling infrastructure.$52 mil l ion to increase •stormwater reuse in Adelaide.

Building TransportT h e S t a t e G o v e r n m e n t i s investing more than $3 billion over four years to build better roads and a better public transport system.

This includes:$1.5 billion to expand the •metropolitan rail network.$61 million over three years •for a better O-Bahn service to the city.$683 million for South Road •upgrade, creating a better, more efficient north-south corridor for Adelaide.

Building HospitalsThe 2009-10 State Budget continues the State Government’s focus on health, injecting over $4 billion into hospitals and other health investment. That’s a 93% increase on funding since 2001-02.

This includes:$51 million for an extra160 •nurses and midwives.$40 million to provide care for •an extra 10,000 people in their homes.

Building SchoolsThe 2009-10 State Budget invests $12,627 in every child this year in public school. That’s up from $7,598 in 2001-02.

Investment in education and training includes:

$65 million over four years for •early childhood education.$155 million over 4 years for •almost 56,000 skills training places.

We’re focusing the public service on delivering frontline services – recruiting more teachers, nurses, doctors, ambulance workers and police.

The Government is taking decisive action to reduce the impact of the financial crisis on South Australia. That’s good for the economy and good for jobs.

Building Jobs

Mr Piccolo said the study would include the investigation of a cyclist/pedestrian crossing of the South Para River alongside the Gawler line.

“A crossing across the South Para is very important because at the moment some children walk along the train line to cross the river”. Mr Piccolo said.

“A crossing is important for both access and safety reasons” he said.

The proposed Adelaide to Gawler rail corridor cycleway has the strong support of the Gawler Bicycle Users’ Group (Gawler BUG).

BUG spokesperson Ms Helen Wilmore said “the cycleway would provide a much more pleasant and safe way for them [cyclists] to travel”.

“It would also encourage others to use a bike for commuting or to use the cycleway for recreational purposes” said Ms Wilmore.

In other cycling news, in his letter to Mr Piccolo Minister Conlon confirmed that investigations we re co nt i n u i n g i nto t h e feasibility of providing a shared use path following the Gawler River from the western edge of Gawler to where the NEXY crosses the Gawler River near Wingate Road.

M r P i c c o l o s a i d l o c a l governments along the train line had expressed a strong interest in the development of the cycleway.

Anyone interested in improving cycling facilities in Gawler can contact the BUG contact Ms Wilmore on 85 22 3019.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo with Gawler BUG Members - Front Right Ms Helen Wilmore BUG contact.

T h e R a n n G o v e r n m e n t i s investing an extra $40 million over the next four years on c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d h e a l t h programs including:

Increasing rehabil itation •services provided in people’s homes.

Increasing the number of •beds available for people in country areas who need rehabilitation, palliative care, geriatr ic evaluation and management.

Expanding community-based •psycho geriatric care teams in country areas.

Building Better Health

An extra $23 million over the next 4 years will be invested in safer rural roads, includinag $5.2 million in 2009-10.

The Rural Road Safety Program i m p r o v e s r o a d s a f e t y o n country black spots through improvements like:

Audio-tactile line marking •and safety barriers.The removal of roadside trees.•

Improved delineation and •junctions.

Areas being targeted in 2009-10 include the Adelaide Hills, the Mid North, the South East and Fleurieu Peninsula.

Building Better Roads

T h i s B u d g e t i nv e s t s $ 4 . 5 million to provide ten extra fire management officers to increase burn- offs and reduce fuel hazards across the State.

This is on top of our huge boost to aerial fire fighting. Last summer we had 15 aircraft supporting our CFS ground crews.

Fighting Bushfires

6| ENLIGHTENED | Edition 13, October 2009

LOCAL NEWS

Willo’s Doing Well

October marks the second anniversary of the establishment of Willos Men’s Shed.

Located in Little Paxton Street, Willaston Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said the shed is another “hidden gem” of Gawler.

Officially opened in December 2007 as a result of the hard work undertaken by the Gawler Health Service, men in the local community, local service clubs and the Town of Gawler, the shed provides a place for local men to stay connected with their local community but more importantly share, learn or just simply talk with other men.

Mr Piccolo said the shed is a fully affiliated member of the national based Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) and receives

t re me ndou s su ppor t f rom local businesses, community organisations and the Town of Gawler as well as the Gawler Health Services.

Activities within Sheds are many and various: woodwork, metal work, restoration of old cars, portable’ Sheds taken to Alzheimer facilities or mobile Sheds for remote country areas.

Mr Piccolo said Shed’s often have a wide and diverse membership, men from all backgrounds, ethnic and social mixes can enjoy a Men’s Shed, bringing their unique cultural characteristics to enliven the activities.

“ The common theme in all Sheds is about men feeling useful and contributing again to their communities, learning

or sharing their skills, making friends, networking and availing themselves of health information programmes and opportunities.” said Mr Piccolo.

“ The Men’s Shed helps to provide activity, identity and meaning for vast numbers of older, unemployed, job-redundant, ‘downsized’, isolated, depressed and happily retired, active, creative, enthusiastic men.”

The Wil lo’s Men’s Shed is strategically placed to provide vital, viable places to fulfil these needs and provide relaxed, happy creative spaces for men to enjoy for the local area.

Wil lo’s Men’s Shed can be contacted on 8522 5406 or via email at waltersbc@picknowl.com.au

The Joseph Seridis Trust Fund has been created in memory of Joseph Seridis, in collaboration with UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, to enable grants to be distributed to assist young people with physical and / or multiple disabilities to obtain equipment that

enhances daily living.

The Trustees invite applications for assistance from or on behalf of young people with a disability between the age of 16 and 30 years.

Application forms and eligibility guidelines are available from Graham Loveday (Mon – Wed), UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide.

Phone: 82025149 or email: graham.loveday@ucwesleyadelaide.org.au

To ensure that funds are available to distribute to eligible applicants throughout the year the Trustees raise funds from supporters and the public. Each year the Trustees hold a dinner as

its major fund raising event.

Matters for MenFree Book Offer

Hon Ian Hunter, member of the South Australian Legislative Council informed the Parliament recently of the findings of a Committee inquiring into the practices of bogus health practitioners in the State.

T h e S o c i a l D e v e l o p m e n t Committee’s Inquiry into Bogus, Unregistered and Deregistered Health Practitioners commenced hearing public evidence in March of 2008 and completed this in February of this year.

Mr Hunter said “the committee a c k n o w l e d g e s t h a t m a n y unregistered health practitioners per form an impor tant and legitimate part of health servicing consumers and the majority are reputable.”

The Committee uncovered numerous cases of misconduct and a disturbing trend towards the use of online purchased degrees and the use of the title “Doctor” without having any actual training.

21 recommendations were made by the Committee including the establishment of a code of conduct for unregistered h e a l t h p r a c t i t i o n e r s . I n addition, the committee also recommended establishing a statutory registration scheme for Chinese medicine practitioners, acupuncturists and Chinese herbal dispensers.

Mr Hunter noted, “for too long we have allowed anyone to practise in unregulated areas of health care without proper check and balances.”

H e a d d e d “ t h e m e a s u r e s proposed by the committee is a series of measures to reduce the likelihood of charlatans and

shonks setting up practice and passing themselves off as trained health professionals.”

The Health Minister John Hill has announced that the Government would make legislative changes to crackdown on bogus doctors and practitioners who continue to treat patients after they have been barred.

“Unfortunately there are people in our community who claim to be able to help sick people but who are really frauds,’’ Minister Hill said.

The Government will amend the Health and Community Services Complaints Act 2004, giving exist ing authorit ies greater powers to stop quacks who pose a risk to public health f rom prac t is ing, inc luding penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment, imposed by a court.

If you require further information or have any queries about the inquiry please contact the Hon Ian Hunter on 8237 9209.

Committee Warns Bogus Doctors

Light MP Tony Piccolo with Men at Willos Men’s Shed.

The Hon Ian Hunter MLC.

This easy to read guide will assist men to stay healthy and keep life on track. It is endorsed by the South Australian Farmers Federation and SA Men’s Health Alliance.

To obtain your free copy* of the “Matters for Men” book by Dr John Ashfield please send your name and postal address details to

Book OfferTony Piccolo MP148 Murray StreetGawler SA 5118

or via email tolight@parliament.sa.gov.au *only one copy per household please.

FOCUS ON SCHOOLS

Edition 13, October 2009 | ENLIGHTENED | 7

Trinity Turns Twenty FiveOn the 22nd of March, Trinity College hosted an Open Day to celebrate their 25 years of academic achievement.

Various displays in Art, Science, Literature and the Performing Arts were put on display for all too see.

25 years ago local Gawler Priest Fr. John Kinsman had a dream to start a ‘small, low fee Anglican School’. With help from his fellow “Parish Elders” the word spread around the community and with growing support from the locals the foundations of Trinity College emerged in the St. George’s Parish Hall on the 6th of February 1984.

The initial class had 20 students.

Within a year of opening their doors to families, they moved their growing empire to the Evanston Park Campus in the 1985 with 189 students.

From here on, Trinity College exceeded expectations and grew rapidly, opening a feeder school in 1991 for Reception to Year 7 students in Blakeview.

Demand for student enrolment at the College kept growing, and waiting lists became longer. In 1993 they opened a further feeder school, now known as South Campus, a Pre-School (Montessori) in 1996 and the

Xavier Celebrates it’s 15th Birthday In the early 1990’s, the local Catholic community expressed a need for a Catholic Secondary College to serve the local area. At the time many Catholic students travelled into Adelaide every day or boarded to attend a Catholic school.

The College opened on Monday 6th February 1995. On that day, 83 students made history by being the first Year 8 students to attend Xavier College.

The first ever celebration of the Feast of St. John Bosco was held on the 8th of March at Sts Peter and Paul Church and afterwards students walked to Conlea Park for the Athletic carnival.

Conlea Park was a great venue to hold the first sports day. The running track was lined with the traditional eight lanes however, gum trees and a slight hill prevented us from keeping traditional records.

The Salesian tradition of the celebration of faith and fun was also established that year.

The official opening of the College took place on Sunday the 28th of May 1995.

At the end of the year, students, parents and staff all attended the very first Presentation Night at Sts Peter and Paul’s Church in honour of St. Francis Xavier, whom the College was named after.

Growing Trees For Life Over 200,000 students across Australia recently participated in a special national tree day for schools, including schools in the Light electorate.

The theme for National Tree Day in 2009 was Get Growing.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said the theme has multiple meanings – growth of native trees, growth of communities and community spirit as well as personal growth.

Mr Piccolo visited Immanuel Lutheran Primary School in Gawler and spoke with students who were involved in the tree

Harmony In Our Schools

Gawler River Campus in 2000.

Trinity College is South Australia’s largest independent school in the state, with outstanding student achievement that sees Trinity College students being the largest Tertiary and TAFE/Trade entrants in the state.

With a dream of opening a small, low fee Anglican School in the local Parish, Trinity College is now a multi-campus education facility that teaches over 3600 students.

As Trinity College continues to grow, so do the benefits to our community.

At the conclusion of the mass, students were presented with academic awards and the very first student to be awarded the Xavier Medal.

In the year 2000, an outdoor mass was organised for the students of Catholic schools to celebrate the Jubilee Year. It was to take place on Adelaide Oval. It was expected that all Catholic schools would send a group of students to attend this mass. Fr. Handley decided he could do one better.

Through a great deal of work with the State and Catholic authorities, he arranged for the

entire Xavier College community to travel by train to Adelaide to attend the Mass and march down King William Street with the students from the other Catholic schools. A train station was built for the day on the old Roseworthy line and from there, nearly 800 students and staff boarded their own private non-stop train into the city from ‘Handley Station’.

I n 2 0 0 4 M r Ly n n M a r t i n was appointed Principal of Xavier College. Mr Mar tin led the College in this difficult transitional year, with passion and great sensitivity to the death of Father Handley.

planting activity on Friday.

Mr Piccolo said the students learnt about the importance of trees and shrubs in the eco system.

“ T h e s t u d e n t s w e r e v e r y keen and had gained a good understanding of how important trees are to the planet.”

Mr Piccolo said the first National Tree Day was held in 1996 and in the event’s 14 year history more than 2 million Australians have planted over 13 million native trees and shrubs at National Tree Day sites Australia-wide.

Parent and child at Trinity 25th celebrations.

Light MP Tony Piccolo with students from Immanuel Lutheran School, Gawler.

Xavier College 15th Anniversary Photo - Salesian Provincial and College House Captains Back Row: Jonathan Agness, Liam Connole, Peter Seccafien (College Captain) Fr. Frank Maloney SDB (Provincial - Australia and Pacific Region), Kailan Moore.Front Row: Tony Piccolo, Lauren Barton, Coralie Redden, Kyra Middlemiss, Krystal Butler, Elizabeth Hatcher (College Captain), Harley Shannon-Davis.

Wasley student raising the aboriginal flag.

Wasleys students deliver their “sorry message”.

Light MP Tony Piccolo and students cut the “harmony cake” with the School Police Mentor.

8 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 13, October 2009 enlightened@cjtdesign.com.au | www.cjtdesign.com.au |

A GUIDE TO GAWLER SERVICE CLUBS

Gawler Apex Club Contact Name: Jim Seridis

Contact Details: 0421 624 177

Meeting Details: Meetings held 1st and 3rd Monday night of the month

Members of Apex work together to serve their community's greatest needs by promoting service, fellowship and community spirit. Apex Clubs work in their local town or suburb, but through the strength of the National Association of Apex Clubs, also work together to tackle larger community or social problems

Gawler Women’s Apex Club Contact Name: Michelle Chambers

Contact Details: 0438 723 920

Meeting Details: Meeting held 2nd Monday of the month at the Kingsford Hotel, 32 Murray St, Gawler

An extension of the Apex Club of Australia this community group is designed for women in the area to also become involved throughout their town or suburb.

Gawler Lions Club Contact Name: Eric Filmer

Contact Details: 0418 836 150 or ebfilmer@bigpond.com.au

Meeting Details: Meetings held 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 7pm at Willaston Hotel

Lions Clubs are part of community life, in the cities and in the country. Clubs may either provide service or raise money for their community. Most of the money raised goes back into the community, either directly or indirectly through National and International Projects.

Gawler Kiwanis Contact Name: Margaret Hague

Contact Details: 0417 890 623 or margaret.hague@health.sa.gov.au

Meeting Details: First and third Tuesday of the month at 7.00pm, Café Nova, 19 Murray St, Gawler

As a thriving organisation of men, women and youth, we are dedicated to serving the children of the world and improving the quality of life worldwide.

Country Women’s Association Contact Name: Pamela Jahn

Contact Details: 8522 6855 or pmjohn@chariot.net.au

Meeting Details: Meeting held third Tuesday of the each month.

We aim to improve the conditions for women and children and make life better for families, especially those living in rural and remote Australia.

Rotary Club of Gawler Contact Name: Klaus Retelsdorf,

Contact Details: 0418 829 708 or klaus_retelsooze@hotmail.com

Meeting Details: Meetings held Monday 6pm (public holidays excluded) at Gawler Rotary Room, Gawler Sport & Community Centre, Nixon Tce, Gawler.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

Zonta Club of Gawler Contact Name: Jill Talbot

Contact Detai ls : 0408 084 129 or president@zonta.org.au

Meeting Details: Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month except for January. At 7.00pm, Café Nova, 19 Murray St, Gawler (upstairs room.)

Since chartering in 1993 the Zonta Club of Gawler Inc has supported the local community through various projects. It is an organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Rotary Club of Gawler Light Contact Name: Carmel Rosier

Contact Details: carmel.rosier@gmail.com

Meeting Details: Meetings held Tuesday 6.45pm (public holidays excluded) at Gawler Arms Hotel, 102 Murray St, Gawler.

We are a young (ish), energetic club with very active community and fellowship programs. Most of our 36 members are businessmen and women, keen to contribute to the ideals of Rotary through involvement in its programs.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Muriel Woodhatch Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

Margaret & Roger Dryburgh 50th Anniversary Dudley & Dorothy Modra 50th Anniversary

James and Marlene Nisbet 50th Anniversary Mervin & Valray Schuster 50th Anniversary

Brian & Joyleen Bilney 50th Anniversary Peter & June Griffiths 60th Anniversary

Albert & Betty Fazakerley 60th Anniversary

Thomas & Betty Duncan 60th Anniversary

Melvern & Audrey Robbins 65th Anniversary

online

Enlightened editions are now also published online.

Look over previous editions, or email the current issue to friends.

You can find editions of Enlightened at www.tonypiccolo.orgTony Piccolo at the official opening of the “Timeless Tea Rooms” with Christina Elbrow,

Yvonne Marrin and Carol DeVires Van Leeuwen.

The tea rooms are located at the “Clock Tower” 62 Murray Street, Gawler.