Tour DE forcE

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

World cycling superstar Lance Armstrong has turned the 2009 Tour Down Under into a Tour De Force with interest in the event soaring to record levels.

Local cycling Olympian Jack Bobridge says Lance Armstrong’s participation in next week’s Tour Down Under is the biggest thing to ever happen to Australian cycling.

Bobridge who will be cycling in his first Tour Down Under (and Pro Tour event) is looking forward to racing the cycling super star.

“Lance’s participation in the Tour Down Under is massive, and makes the event special” said Bobridge.

While Bobridge, 19, is looking forward to participating in the TDU as a way of improving his form for the forthcoming world titles he says he is hoping to pick up a few tips from Armstrong.

Premier Mike Rann said Lance’s participation in the Tour Down Under will mean the biggest influx of overseas and interstate visitors to any sporting event in South Australia’s history.

“Attracting world cycling icon Lance Armstrong to begin his comeback in South Australia is a major coup for the State and will place the Tour Down Under front and centre of the world professional cycling events.” said the Premier.

“Lance Armstrong’s global profile has the potential to double the 15 000 people who come to SA to watch the race, and we are told we can anticipate a quadrupling of worldwide media coverage for the event – because of his immense popularity”.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said the TDU would be coming through the electorate on two separate occasions; stage one on Tuesday 20th and then during stage 4 on Friday 23rd January.

Mr Piccolo said given that the TV coverage of 2008 Tour Down Under amounted to 84 hours of international TV coverage throughout Europe, India, Asia and Northern America, the exposure for both the race and for South Australia for the 2009 race will be massive.

Mr Rannn said the 2008 Tour resulted in more than $17 million being pumped into the State’s economy, and a total of 548 000 people watched the week long event.

“It’s exciting to know the 2009 event will be bigger by a long way” he said.

A cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong is the record-breaking seven-time winner of the Tour de France, winning the race between 1999 and 2005, before retiring from the sport in 2005.

News and Views for the Light Electorate | Published by Tony Piccolo MP | Edition 9, January 2009

Tour DownUnder 6 Roseworthy

Raconteur 10 CelebratingAustralia Day12Keeping safe 4

Light MP Tony Piccolo wishes Jack Bobridge well for the TDU.

Tour Down Under Special Edition

T o u rD o W Nu N D E rS P E C I A L

P g 6 & 7

2 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 9, January 2009

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tour Down Under

editorial

The House of Assembly of the Parliament of South Australia has referred the Kapunda Hospital (Variation of Trust) Bill to a select committee for examination.

The Bill varies the terms of the Trust to enable the trustee to allow any land not required for the purposes of the Kapunda Hospital to be used for other purposes including child care and early childhood intervention services.

Written submissions are invited to be received by no later than 30 January 2009. Submissions are to be addressed to -

The SecretarySelect Committee on the Kapunda Hospital (Variation of Trust) BillParliament HouseNorth TerraceADELAIDE SA 5000

Copies of the Bill and all other relevant material can be obtained from the Committee’s web site at www.parliament.sa.gov.au.

Inquiries are to be directed to the Secretary:Phone (08) 8237 9384, Fax (08) 8237 9213 or Email david.pegram@parliament.sa.gov.au

The Committee may at its discretion disclose the contents of submissions prior to reporting to Parliament.

David PegramSecretary to the Committee

For further information on any article, please contact the light

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

The State Government wants to hear from the community during its preparation of a Small Business Statement, which will help shape South Australia’s future small business policy.

The objective of the Statement will be, “To create the most supportive business environment in Australia for small business to grow and prosper.”

The Rann Government’s mid-year budget review will ensure all vital projects are delivered and make sure it saves money where it can.

The State Budget has been hit by the global financial crisis and the associated downturn in business and consumer activity. But South Australia is in a better position than many jurisdictions to weather the storm.

The following vital projects will be

Home renovators in South Australia will have a lot less red tape to worry about in 2009.

Tony Piccolo MP, said that new planning rules that came into force from January 1 will remove many home improvements from the local council approvals system.

“Mak ing a lot of basic home renovation work exempt from building and planning approvals should save time and money for South Australians doing work around the house,” Tony said.

“Home renovators should be aware that from January 1 items such as

Consumers who purchase goods from telemarketers will have greater protection under new laws introduced into Parliament in November 2008.

Tony Piccolo, Member for Light said The Fair Trading (Telemarketing) Amendment Bill 2008 provided for a mandatory 10-day cooling off period

Walk for Gawler Health Day 2008 raised $25,656.82 for projects and equipment at the Gawler Health Service.

The Gawler Health Foundation’s expectations were blown away by the outstanding efforts of the participants in the Walk for Gawler Health Day 2008. 41 people took to the streets on Sunday the 23rd November for a 10 km walk, but all the hard work in raising funds had

SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE KAPUNDA HOSPITAL (VARIATION OF TRUST) BILL

pergolas, sheds, shade sails and decks in most circumstances will no longer require prior approval from their council.”

The list of ‘exempt development’ as of 1 January includes:

• Small sheds (of less than 15m² floor area and which meet certain conditions)• Pergolas (which meet certain conditions, including not having a hard roof )• Decks (which meet cer ta in conditions, including not being more than 50cm above the ground)• Small shade sails (to 20m² and no

more than 3m in height that meet certain other conditions)• S o l a r p a n e l s ( w i t h ce r t a i n conditions)• Water tanks (less than 10m² and that meet certain other conditions)• R o l l e r d o o r s ( w i t h ce r t a i n conditions)• Certain fences to 2.1 metres in height• Retaining walls to 1 metre in height (with certain conditions)

“It is however important to check with your local Council that your development is exempt before commencing any work,” Tony said.

New Year Bonus For Home Renovators

Tighter Controls On Telemarketerson contracts entered into as a direct result of telemarketing.

“When consumers are contacted out of the blue by a telemarketer they need to have suitable protection if they decide to buy”, Tony said.

Under the changes:• Traders must provide full disclosure

of the terms of the agreement.• A telemarketer must not harass or coerce a consumer when negotiating an agreement.• A trader must not harass a consumer to try to prevent them from cooling off.

See future Enlightened’s for full details when this bill is passed.

South Australian Small Business StatementS m a l l b u s i n e s s co nt i n u e s to be a fundamentally important component of the State’s economy, employing more than 46 per cent of the total non-agricultural private sector workforce.

The State Government is committed to assisting small business, and wants to hear about barriers you may be facing and assistance you

may need to ensure the Government is delivering the right services.

For further details on how to make a submission go to www.southaustralia.biz/sbstatement or call 8303 2911.

All submissions are due 5pm Friday 30 January 2009.

Mid-Year Budget Review 2008-2009delivered on time:• Desalination Plant;• New Hospital;• New Schools.

The State Government is making sure it saves money where it can:• $700 million saved by extending completion of some Health and Transport capital works;• $311 million saved by delaying building new Prisons;• Savings will also be secured by

selling Government office buildings.

Over the past six years, the Rann Government has delivered surplus budgets, eliminated the State Budget debt and managed the State’s finances responsibly.

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

Gawler Health Foundationalready been completed by then. Walkers from the community strode alongside Gawler Health Service, with everyone completing the physical challenge.

A BBQ lunch, and entertainment at the Willaston Football Club ensured a pleasant ending to the event. The GHF would like to thank all of the participants, members, major sponsors The Ahrens Group and AMP Foundation, volunteers and the

business community, all of whom made this event the highest ever fundraiser for the GHF.

The Gawler Health Foundation Board of Management have planned another Walk for Gawler Health Day to be held on Sunday 8th November 2009. Interested persons should contact Andrew Glen on 8521 2015 or 0428 114 598.

The new website is now live at www.tonypiccolo.org. Here you can find information on the electorate, Tony Piccolo in Parliament, useful resources and documents, and submit questions you may have. There is also a news feature you can visit to find the latest info. Issues of Enlightened are also available for reading online.

One Tree Hill www.tonypiccolo.org

The 2009 Tour Down Under will be one of the biggest sporting events for this state this year.

The record number of international cyclists participating in the race has turned the event into a “Tour de Force” with interest at an all time high – both locally and internationally.

While Lance Armstrong launches his comeback at the event, we have local favourites like teenager Jack Bobridge of Evanston Park participating in his first ever Pro Tour event.

Not only will the temperature be scorching but also the competition!

Go to pages 6 and 7 to see our special feature on the great race!

The event certainly increases the interest in cycling. We thought it opportune to also cover some road safety issues. The Rann government has given road safety a high priority and while one death is one to many, it was pleasing to see we kept the death toll to under a hundred last year.

Road deaths leave behind a trail of sadness and pain for families so we all need to do our bit to keep our roads safe – as a little patience and respect on the roads goes a long way to making them safer.

On page 9 you will read about what the government is doing to secure our water and the efforts by local schoolboy Stefan Anesbury to raise awareness about water conservation. Well done Stefan and the other students at St Brigid’s school.

On the back page we have messages from local leaders and details of Australia Day events in the electorate.

We hope you enjoy this bumper Tour Down Special Edition of Enlightened. As always, we welcome your feedback – positive or otherwise.

Happy Australia Day to all.

KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFEHOT NEWS“New Door To The Future...” Says Shannon

Gawler High School student Shannon Trezise is urging parents to support the proposal to merge the three Evanston based schools onto the high school site.

The year 12 student is so passionate about the future of his school and public education in the local area that he joined the Governing Council last year to give students a voice in key decisions.

The proposal, subject to parental approval, involves the closure of Evanston Primary and Evanston Pre-School on their existing sites and relocating them on the Gawler High site to create a new combined Birth to Year 12 school.

So strongly does Shannon see the proposed merger as a “step forward” for the school that he

personally moved the motion at the recent governing council meeting to support the merger and put the proposal to a ballot of parents as required by the Education Act.

Shannon told the meeting that the merger represents “closing a door on the past and opening a new door to the future”. The motion was overwhelmingly carried by the meeting.

Shannon, who is actively involved in school and community life, said in coming weeks he proposes to hold meetings with students to ensure they understand the proposal, and in particular, its benefits to students and parents.

Shannon sees a lot of merit in the proposal and how it will provide students with opportunities that are not available to them if the

Recognising that palliative care is a critical component of any community and health service, the Northern Division of General Practice has appointed Christine Churchill as their Palliative Care Project Officer.

Christine said, “We want to provide patients and their families with more choice about where they are cared for so they can choose to stay at home or within their local area for their care.”

The Palliative Care Project aims to improve access to Palliative Care services in the Gawler and surrounding regions. To do this, the service needs to be available to everyone in the community.

Christine wil l assist in the integration of existing services to provide a broader range of options and services that the community can access in a seamless way. “The frustration experienced by some people i n n e e d, h av i n g to m a k e several phone calls and explain the s ituation each t ime is unreasonable and this can be resolved in a positive way by the work currently being done”, she said.

The goal of the project is to provide high quality and responsive Palliative Care services to patients and carers in the

Gawler and surrounding areas. This will ensure appropriate care is available when needed and prevent inappropriate u s e o f s e r v i c e s s u c h a s patients attending emergency departments or hospital services when better alternatives are available.

Christine has formed strong links with the Gawler Palliative Care Action Group, founded by two local General Practitioners, Dr Bill Lees and Dr Rupert Thorne. Working alongside these General Practitioners are a dedicated group of community residents who have put a lot of time and effort into raising awareness about palliative care issues.

“It is imperative for success that the community is involved in this project and we welcome your input and ideas”, Christine said.

The Gawler Action Group is keen to involve local community members and invite interested parties to their meetings. If you are interested in being involved in this exciting group, please contact either Christine at the Adelaide Northern Division of General Practice on 8252 9444 or via email cchurchill@andgp.org.au or Mark Forster at Hyde and Partners on 8522 3444 or via email manager@hydeandpartners.com.au.

three schools stay separate.

Shannon believes the proposal will help “rebuild the school” and foster a “fresh image” which will help the schools’ standing in the community.

“ The new and refurbished facilities will certainly be seen as a positive by the students” said Shannon.

“The proposal will help foster school pride” he said.

“The proposal is definitely a step towards a more positive future and it will benefit their children and grandchildren”

Shannon said that he hoped the parents voted yes as this could be last opportunity in a long time to give the school a new start.

Franchisees will get better protection from opportunistic franchisors who bully and intimidate them into unfair and harsh contract arrangements.

Under changes proposed to the Franchising Code, franchisors would have a statutory obligation to deal in “good faith” towards their franchisees.

The changes are proposed in a report tabled in Federal Parliament recently by a Federal Parliament Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo, who has led a national campaign for franchise law reform, has w e l c o m e d t h e p r o p o s e d changes and hopes the Federal Government will introduce them as soon as possible.

Mr Piccolo said the federal bi-partisan inquiry has backed similar recommendations made in SA Parliamentary inquiry published in June this year.

“ The federal inquiry clearly supports the general findings of the SA inquiry”

“This inquiry repudiates the outrageous claims made by the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) suggesting that the current industry code was robust enough to deal with rogue franchisors”

“The FCA have, once again, been dragged screaming and kicking to the reform table”

“The need to reform the code was obvious to everyone except the FCA “

“The FCA has strongly criticised me and the SA inquiry, yet the federal inquiry has reached similar conclusions” said Mr Piccolo

In addition to calling for a statutory requirement to act in good faith, the Federal inquiry recommends:

Better disclosure by Franchisors•

An invest igation into the • online registration of disclosure documents

Pre contract agreement on • franchise termination

A better balance of rights • and liabilities in the event of franchisor failure

Better collection of franchise • statistics to inform future policy reform

M r P i c c o l o s a i d t h e recommendations will help clean out the rogues and charlatans from the industry.

Palliative Care

Hundreds of households in Hewett and Roseworthy are gearing up to go green in a bid to significantly cut the States landfill waste.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said that Light Regional Council is one of ten councils participating in the State Government’s food organics collection pilot project, which will soon involve 18,000 South Australian households in the most comprehensive pilot program of kitchen waste recycling to be undertaken in the nation.

Households in the pilot will use the environmentally friendly “bio basket” to dispose of their food scraps.

Mr Piccolo said distribution of the ventilated bench-top collection containers and compostable cornstarch liner bags took place recently.

“ S A ’s r e p u t a t i o n a s a n environmental leader in waste management would be further strengthened by the project.” said Mr Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said householders

involved can recycle all food scraps – including meat, bones, teabags, egg and oyster shells, as well as shredded paper and tissues.

“Once recyclables and green waste are removed from the waste stream, half of what is left is compostable organic matter, primarily food scraps.”

Mr Piccolo said recycling food waste will remove a waste stream from landfill that not only takes up space, but also generates methane, a greenhouse gas.

“The food waste collected will be broken down into compost that can be used to enrich our soil, reduce evaporation and conserve water.”

Households involved in the pilot will put their food scraps in biodegradable cornstarch bags, and then put the bags in their green organics bin for eventual composting.

T h e S t a t e G o ve r n m e n t i s providing containers, kerbside a u d i t s , m a r k e t r e s e a r c h , communications materials and project support.

Kitchen Refuse Is In The Bag

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Franchise Bullies To Be Punished By New Laws

Shannon Trezise.

Light MP Tony Piccolo with (from left) Hewett residents Allen and Marilyn Duncan and Light Council Environment Officer Andrew Philpott with the new kitchen bin.

Palliative Care action Group: From left (standing) Dr Bill Lees, Mark foster and Kasia Smith. (seated) Christine Churchill, Dr Rupert Thorne and David James.

4 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 9, January 2009

Gawler Road Safety Group

KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE

Robert Laidlaw, Chair of the Gawler Road Safety Group (GRSG) says, “The aim of the Gawler Road Safety Group is to bring awareness to the community on issues relating to road safety”.

The GRSG has been going for 5 years. In that time the Group has undertaken a number of projects to provide information on and build the knowledge base of the community about safer driving practices.

The group has representatives from health, the police, Town of Gawler, Department of Transport Energy & Infrastructure, the Light Electorate Office, education and the media.

Meetings are held once a month and at these meetings road safety issues are raised and ongoing issues are addressed. “This forum has proved to be very useful in bringing all of the parties together at one time so that issues can be addressed in a timely manner”, Robert said.

The Group has been involved in some great community events which have proved to be very popular, informative and of excellent educational value.

Examples include the Lemon Car which was a feature of Youth Week and the Gawler Show. The Lemon Car has numerous faults and young drivers are challenged to find as many faults as possible.

After the last State Election, the Premier Mike Rann made road safety - and reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads - a priority for his Government.

A separate Ministry was set up with The Hon Carmel Zollo MLC appointed as South Australia’s first Minister for Road Safety.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said this new Ministry has brought a focus on road safety never seen before in the State and, as a result, rafts of new programs, initiatives and legislative reforms have been introduced.

Mr Piccolo said at the time of publication the 2008 road toll sits at 99 fatalities.

“This is quite notable as South Australia is on track to achieve its lowest ever road toll.”

“However even one death or serious injury is one to many and more work is being done to make our roads safer.” said Mr Piccolo.

Driver Drug Testing ExpandedThe Rann Labor Government has introduced drug testing for drivers and conducted a successful year trial resulting in a worrying strike rate of 1 in every 34 drivers tested recording a positive reading.

M r To ny Pi cco l o s a i d t h e G o v e r n m e n t h a s s i n c e announced an expansion of drug driver testing by allocating

a further $11.1 million over four years to expand the drug testing enforcement regime.

“ The increased funding will allow South Australia Police (SAPOL) to conduct approximately 39,000 tests per year, starting in this financial year.” said Mr Piccolo.

“ SAPOL has also commenced the expansion program to train 260 traffic enforcement members in driver drug testing across the State.”

New Drink Driver MeasuresM r Piccolo sa id the R ann Government is also committed to dealing with the problems of repeat drink drivers.

Earlier this year Minister Zollo announced the introduction of compulsory alcohol interlock devices which will be fitted to the vehicles of repeat and serious drink drive offenders.

Ms Zol lo said the alcohol interlock is a device that is fitted to a vehicle and the driver must blow into it in order to be able to start the ignition.

“If alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath the vehicle cannot start. “ she said.

Mr Piccolo said the legislation has been introduced into the Parliament and is expected to be passed in 2009.

The mandatory interlock scheme is expected to be introduced in

the second half of next year.

Mr Piccolo said that it is estimated that approximately 2,700 new offenders each year will enter the scheme which will target serious drink drive offenders who have committed any one of the following offences within the last five years:

A second or subsequent offence • of driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0.08

Driving with a blood alcohol • reading at or above 0.15

Driving under the influence of • intoxicating liquor

Refusing to provide a breath or • blood sample for alcohol testing

More Funding For Cycling SafetyMr Piccolo said as part of the Government’s ongoing pledge to improve road safety and reduce road trauma, $7.3 million was allocated to the State Black Spot Program.

Mr Piccolo said the types of safety works undertaken in these programs include local shoulder sealing, guard fence installations, delineation improvements and intersection improvements.

“In 2008-09, the State Black Spot Program will fund 32 road projects including a $738,000 allocation for cycling black spots.”

Mr Piccolo said cycling and cycling safety remains a priority for the Rann Government and providing new cycling paths and infrastructure is a key focus of

ROAD SAFETY A PRIORITY FOR RANN GOVERNMENT

the Government’s road safety agenda.

In early 2006 the Government released “Safety in Numbers - A Cycling Strategy for South Australia 2006-2010”.

Mr Piccolo said since Labor formed Government in 2002 Adelaide’s bicycle network has had a 38 per cent increase in the length of off-road shared paths and a 60 per cent increase in the length of bicycle lanes.

Mr Piccolo said getting the road safety message out in the community has become a focus as we recognise the need to change people’s behaviour on our roads and public perceptions about road safety.

“ Road Safety advertising plays an important role in educating and informing the community.”

“Spending on road safet y advertising has doubled since 2006 with the Motor Accident Commission now spending $8.4 million, including $2.5 million for sponsorships, each year.”

S u p p o r t i n g r o a d s a f e t y initiatives at the coal face out in the community, particularly in regional areas is a focus of the Government.

S o u t h A u s t r a l i a h a s 3 5 C o m m u n i t y R o a d S a f e t y Groups which includes seven metropolitan groups and 28 rural groups.

The Government supports the Groups through three officers who provide on-going support and guidance.

The Government also funds projects and programs run by the Groups as well as providing funding for administration.

Examples of the sorts of projects include

Motorised wheelchair skills days•

Installation of local road safety • signs

Promotional displays for local • events

Support for targeted road safety • programs for young people

Support for ‘driver reviver ’ • initiatives

The Speed Trailer has been used in a number of locations to highlight to drivers the speed they are going. The GRSG works with the local police to identify locations for the speed trailer.

If you would like any further details please contact Robert Laidlaw on 0407 979 163.

Gawler Cancer CouncilRelay For Life

Working for a cancer free future

Tuesday 24th February from 11.30am

Venue: Sports & Community Centre Nixon Tce Gawler

Please come and invite your friends

Donation $10.00

To phone or email us of your intention to come would be greatly appreciatedContact person - Glen Williams85225665 or 0411044091 Email gwglen2000@bigpond.com

Sponsors:Catering by Xavier College apprentice ChefsGawler Council use of the venueThe Travel Planner She’s Apples Fruit Market

Total proceeds to Relay For Life providing support for cancer victims, their families and research

Web http://localsite1.homestead.com/Cancer-a.html

PANCAKE DAY LUNCH

Mick Brien with the Gawler, Barossa, and Light Football Association Road Safety Banner.

Light MP Tony Piccolo with Road Safety Minister the Hon Carmel Zollo MLC.

It’s “Ok To Complain” Says Commissioner

KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE

South Australia’s first Health a n d Co m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s Complaints Commissioner Ms Leena Sudano says it is OK for people to complain if they believe they have received poor or inadequate service.

Ms Sudano stresses complaints are a really important source of feedback because they can lead to action which make it less likely the incident will happen again.

Ms Sudano said while many people fear they will be treated badly if they complain, it is illegal to discriminate or punish someone because they have complained.

“So don’t be afraid to ask for help, to speak up and to make a difference.” said Ms Sudano.

Ms Sudano has a d iverse background, including health, community services, law and m a n a g e m e n t t h r o u g h o u t Australia and in the UK.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said Ms Sudano’s commitment to impartiality and fairness is

grounded in her experience as a union leader, Occupational Health and Safety and WorkCover board member, anti-discrimination advocate and health service improvement leader.

Mr Piccolo said that Ms Sudano brings a strong sense of justice to her role. Mr Piccolo said she is a fully qualified nurse and lawyer and so brings a high level of training to the position.

Ms Sudano’s management experience in the community services sector includes youth h o m e l e s s n e s s , w o m e n ’s e m p l o y m e n t a n d a n t i -discrimination advocacy.

Ms Sudano says that while she does not have the power to direct community and health providers to act on her recommendations she does have the “power of sunlight”.

She says most complaints are resolved through conciliation as most health providers are keen to do the right thing.

But she does warn providers that

“if warranted” she will use her powers to publish her findings if public safety was at stake.

Ms Sudano says a lot of people do not know about their right to complain and she is keen to educate the community about the complaints process.

“I am more than happy to meet with community groups to ensure people understand the function and role of the health complaints commissioner “she said.

While it is a challenging role, Ms Sudano says it is a very positive job as it is about resolving issues and improving the community and health sector.

“In the end we ensure people get a chance to tell their story, and that itself can at times help resolve the complaint”

Ms Sudano said that while her office is happy to assist any person with a complaint, she does however, urge people to try to resolve the complaint with the provider in the first instance.

The phase-in of South Australia’s plastic bag ban started on New Year’s Day.

Plastic bags still can be provided, but retai lers must provide alternatives so that shoppers have a choice. Shops will have to display s igns informing customers of the changes.

Then, from 4 May 2009, shops will no longer be allowed to supply lightweight, checkout style plastic shopping bags.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo is urging shoppers to resolve to start a new habit - bringing their own reusable bags every time they go shopping.

“We all need to do our bit for the environment by remembering to bring our own bags to the checkout every time we go shopping,” Mr Piccolo said.

Mr Piccolo said a recent phone sur vey for Zero Waste SA indicated that eight out of ten shoppers have already started to change their habits, and have been taking their own bags for grocery shopping – which is great news.

“Most of these people in the electorate have been bringing their own bags for more than a year.” said Mr Piccolo.

“Awareness of the phase-out of checkout style plastic shopping bags is high and more than 90 per cent stating their support for the ban.”

Mr Piccolo said it appears that most people don’t take reusable bags when buying takeaway food.

“While most shoppers take their own bags grocery shopping, they

still end up with checkout style plastic shopping bags on at least one in four occasions.

Mr Piccolo said that shoppers would be reminded to “BYO bags” through signs at shops and advertising.

Mr Piccolo reminded shoppers if they are walking past his electorate office to drop in and pick up a free reusable shopping bag.He said there were many

Don’t Forget To “BYO” Bag!

Tony Piccolo, Member for Light says the new laws to protect food donors from legal threats will mean more free food can flow to South Australian charities.

“Having celebrated Christmas and as we reflect on the New Year, it is important to remember that some people are doing it tough and laws such as these will make a real difference”, Tony said.

The changes made by the Rann Government mean that as long as donors give food believing it is safe and are not reckless

to its condition, they can’t be subjected to civil liability suits.

Mailee Ballan, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army in Gawler says these new laws are an answer to a prayer.

“It is not unusual for people to drop in off the street asking for a meal and with donations from food outlets this means we can meet this immediate need,” Mailee said.

Donations of food mean other scarce resources can then be

used to help people with their bills such as electricity and water.

“This way we can help people with both food and utilities because there’s more to go around,” she said.

“This is great for food retailers who have long wanted to do more to help the State’s most disadvantaged but have been wary of potentially costly legal action”, Tony said.

“I am hoping that these new laws will result in significant

New Laws Means More Free Food For Charities

“People need to give providers an opportunity to correct the way they do things through feedback” she said.

The Health and Community S e r v i c e s C o m p l a i n t s Commissioner can be contacted on 8226 8666 or at www.hcscc.sa.gov.au

Mr Piccolo said local residents could also obtain a pamphlet outlining the complaints process for consumers from his electorate office.

Edition 9, January 2009 | ENLIGHTENED | 5

simple practical r e m i n d e r s t h a t could be used to bring reusable bags to the shops.

Leave your car • keys or shopping list on top of your reusable bags, or clip a shopping list to the bags.

Keep spare bags • in the car.

Keep a small reusable bag • handy – in a handbag, backpack or briefcase for last minute shopping trips. Ask your children to remind • you ever y time you go shopping.

Mr Piccolo said shoppers are encouraged to share their tips on the web site byobags.com.au.

Retailers and shoppers can call the Plastic Bag Ban Hotline on 1300 137 118 for more information.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo has called on the State Government to amend the laws regarding unsightly premises.

M r P i c c o l o r e c e n t l y t o l d Parliament that the current laws made it difficult for Councils to get some residents to clean up their properties which were full of rubbish and the like.

Mr Piccolo said based on his experience, “councils [ that are] trying to deal with unsightly premises have to juggle the operation of three Acts; namely, the Environment Protection Act, the Local Government Act and the Development Act”.

“ The process to resolve a complaint about unsightly premises is complex, t ime -consuming, costly and, at times, quite ineffective.” said Mr Piccolo.

“Councils receive flak—which they do not deserve—because often the process is t ime -consuming and requires court action before councils can take meaningful action. The process can take years” he said.

Mr Piccolo said as a “result of the way in which the acts interrelate, the process protects those people who do offend” .

“When dealing with people who maintain unsightly premises, we must also ensure appeal rights to make sure they are not unjustly treated. It is often a complaint heard down many streets. The law must be changed to make it easier for councils to deal with people who are doing the wrong thing. “

“As I said, subject to safeguards to ensure that people are not in any way penalised by over-zealous neighbours it is important we deal with those sorts of issues…”

“Those people who maintain their properties to a very high standard get annoyed that the whole tone of the suburb can be dragged down by a couple of unsightly properties. “

UnsightlyPremises

donations to Gawler charities such as GABBYs and Fred’s Van. When similar changes were made interstate 85% more food was donated to some charities.”

If people are interested in getting more details about these new laws please contact the Light Electorate Office on 8522 2878.

Commissioner Leena Sudano.

Light MP Tony Piccolo with the Salvo’s Mailee Ballan with Christmas Food Hampers.

Complimentary Bags from Tony Piccolo MP.

6 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 9, January 2009

Light Regional CouncilTour Down Under FestivitiesLight Regional Council will host a corporate function as well as supporting the Greenock Village Association to put on a Free Family BBQ for the Tour Down Under on

Friday 23rd January 2009.

The majority of the celebrations will occur between 12-2.30pm, however with the Mutual Community

Challenge Tour also happening in the region, we are expecting over 5000 riders to pass through Greenock

between 9.30am and 1.30pm.

A lot of colour and entertainment will happen in Greenock and Light Regional Council is proud to be part

of the Great Tour Down Under.

The UniSA Team of professional c y c l i s t s h a s r e p r e s e n t e d Australia in the Tour Down Under since 2001.

University of South Australia Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Hoj says that the University is “extremely proud” of the team’s contribution to this “world-class” competition, and hopes that the University’s continued sponsorship will “encourage” the wider community to engage in this “inspiring and health promoting event.”

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said the UniSA Team is an ideal oppor tunity for people to witness first hand how Australia’s experienced and ‘up and coming’ cycling stars will handle the Tour’s testing conditions.

According to Tour Down Under Race Director Mike Tur tur,

“The UniSA Team is a mix of international experience and some of the youngest and brightest cycling talent in [the] country” including lead rider Baden Cooke (VIC), Aaron Kemps (QLD), Scott Davis (QLD), Travis Meyer (WA), Simon Clarke (VIC) and making his Tour debut, local Gawler rider Jack Bobridge (SA). A seventh rider will be selected after the (11 January) Australian Open Road Championships.

To u r i s m M i n i s te r D r J a n e Lomax-Smith says that event organisers and supporters alike are “delighted” that some of Australia’s “best road cyclists” will again be donning the UniSA team colours to compete in the Tour Down Under.

More extensive information about Team UniSA and its Supporters Club is available at http://www.unisa.edu.au/TDU/.

THE BIG RACE - TOUR DOWN UNDER

UniSA Team - Australia Proud

O’GRADY JOINS 2009 TOUR

South Australia’s Stuart O’Grady, will lead Team Saxo Bank, the nineteenth and final team to be announced for the 2009 Tour Down Under in Adelaide.

Premier Mike Rann welcomed the news that Team Saxo Bank would be racing and said that Stuart O’Grady’s presence would add to the list of world-class riders already confirmed to compete in next weeks event.

“Stuart is one of the country’s leading sportsman, and the only man to have ever won the Tour Down Under twice, so we’re naturally delighted that he will be competing in Australia’s premier cycling event in 2009,” Premier Mike Rann said.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said Stuart O’Grady is a real favourite with the fans and I’m sure the South Australian community will come out in force to support him as he aims for his third title.

M r R ann said “ This is the strongest field of competitors ever assembled at the Tour Down Under. “

“As well as global sports icon Lance Armstrong, we have another Tour de France winner in Oscar Periero and five former winners of the Tour Down Under taking to the start line next week.”

The five former Tour Down Under winners competing in the 2009 Tour Down Under are Stuart O’Grady (1999 and 2001), Michael Rogers (2002), Luis Leon Sanchez (2005), Martin Elmiger (2007) and Andre Greipel (2008).

Mr Piccolo said the 2009 race will see 133 riders from 23 countries, including 23 Australian riders, battle it out for the coveted ochre jersey.

“It will also, for the first time, offer spectators the chance to see two Tour de France winners competing at the Tour Down Under.”

All 18 ProTour cycling teams, along with the UniSA Australian national team, will compete at the Tour Down Under.

The Tour Down Under, the first stop on the world cycling calendar, takes place in Adelaide from 18-25 January 2009. Visit www.tourdownunder.com.au.

After three years in retirement, world champion cyclist Lance A r m s t r o n g w i l l m a k e h i s much anticipated return to international competition at the 2009 Tour Down Under.

The 1999 to 2005 Tour de France winner’s decision to compete in this first leg of the world cycling calendar has since been described by Premier Mike Rann as “a major coup for the State.”

M r R a n n s a y s t h a t t h e Government worked particularly hard to negotiate Armstrong’s involvement in the Tour, knowing that it would not only leave an enduring legacy for Australian sport, but that it would also attract significant international media coverage and the largest ever influx of interstate and overseas tourists to a South Australian sporting event.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said Armstrong’s popular appeal and reputation as a courageous and

determined competitor is built, in part, on his record of overcoming life threatening testicular, lung, and brain cancer.

In 1997, the now recovered Armstrong set out to increase cancer awareness, to promote cancer prevention, and to seek a cure for this all too prevalent disease by establishing the ‘Live Strong’ Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The Foundation motto that “unity is strength, knowledge is power, and attitude is everything” has been commended by Premier Rann as a source of “hope and support” for people everywhere.

Mr Piccolo said if local people w a n t e d t o w i t n e s s t h e inspirational Lance Armstrong’s historic comeback to world cycling, then they should not miss the opportunity to be a part of the Tour Down Under between 18 and 25 January 2009.

Lance Launches Historic Comeback

A Message From Mike Rann

The Tour Down Under consistently attracts the big names in world cycling, and there’s certainly no bigger name in the sport than seven-times Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong.

His decision to make his comeback to world cycling at the 2009 Tour Down Under is a massive coup for the event, and for South Australia.

Anyone who didn’t see Don Bradman bat, didn’t witness Muhammad Ali fight, or never saw Pelé score a goal, simply must take this priceless opportunity to see Lance Armstrong – free of charge – as he competes in our own backyard.

It will certainly excite huge interest in Light on January 20 when Lance Armstrong, 2006 Tour de France winner Oscar Pereiro and other stars of the sport pass through Gawler and tackle One Tree Hill as part of the Norwood to Mawson Lakes Stage.

In addition to making the 2009 Tour Down Under the biggest sporting event that South Australia has seen, Lance Armstrong’s return to competitive racing here will provide a fantastic promotional opportunity for our State.

Major attractions such as the Barossa Valley, the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills and our city centre will provide a stunning backdrop to each day’s racing.

Lance Armstrong’s presence is also expected to double the 15,000 interstate and overseas tourists who came here for the event last year, and quadruple the global television viewing audience that, in 2008, generated more than 84 hours of broadcast television in 175 countries worldwide.

The 2009 Tour Down Under is an historic opportunity to see one of the world’s true sporting legends competing on our streets.

I know that South Australians will turn out in force, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Mike RannPremier Of South Australia

From left Light MP Tony Piccolo, Mike Turtur TDU Race Director and Premier Mike Rann at a TDU Promotion.

Stuart O’Grady in action.

Message from The Minister For TourismJane Lomax-Smith

Edition 9, January 2009 | ENLIGHTENED | 7

Gawler teenager and cycling Olympian Jack Borbridge says his knowledge of the local roads will enable him to be competitive during the TDU.

This will be Jack’s first TDU and his first Pro Tour event.

The 19 year old who competed in the Beijing Olympics as part of the team pursuit event while realistic about his chances of winning, is nevertheless not daunted by racing against so many champions.

Mr Bobridge sees his racing in the TDU as a great opportunity to gain road racing experience and improve his training for the 2009 world titles in Poland.

Jack is particularly excited by the prospect of racing alongside Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

“Lance will make the TDU massive” said Bobridge.

While Jack only took up cycling when he was 15, he has a strong pedigree with both his father and grandfather cycling enthusiasts.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) sponsored sportsman, Jack cycles between 100-150 kilometres a day to get himself into shape for the big event.

Light MP Tony Piccolo said Jack’s ultimate goal is to race in the Tour de France, and believes he could achieve that within 6-7 years.

“He hopes to race in the Giro d’Italia within 3-4 years.” said Mr Piccolo.

“We are fortunate to have such a wonderful athlete and sportsman in our local community”

“Jack only receives support from the AIS at this stage, so corporate sponsors would be most welcome” said Mr Piccolo.

Jack will be racing with the UniSA

Let’s Back Jack

The One Tree Hill Progress Association when the TDU comes through OTH always provides a fun day for it’s community to help celebrate the TDU and also enters t h e B e s t D re s s e d Tow n competition.

The City of Playford gets b e h i n d t h e E v e n t a n d Townships efforts by providing in the form of a community events grant, $2000 towards the cost of the event it helps erect our banners welcoming the TDU t idies up the

One Tree Hill Welcomes The 2009 Tour Down Under

Local families and individuals have a brilliant opportunity to exper ience the sheer excitement of international cycling and see the legendary Lance Armstrong when the 2009 Tour Down Under ‘comes to town’ in the Gawler area this January.

The Tour Down Under is a winner for all of us who enjoys br i l l iant ac t ion, fabulous scenery and having a wonderful time.

I invite you to join in the fun as Gawler takes the spotlight during this exhilarating event. On January 20, local community members and visitors will welcome a constellation of

Team during the TDU. He is passionate about racing and does not need to be motivated to get onto his bike and ride for hours on end.

Jack said the TDU is a great way to start the year and should help with his preparation for the world titles.

THE BIG RACE - TOUR DOWN UNDER

Australia. To find out more, visit

www.tourdownunder.com.au

Township promotes the Tour and OTH’s event via its venues and the Progress Association along with some Local Sponsorship funds the rest and provides the people power and resources to do the rest.

This year on the 20th of January 2009 the TDU will be coming through OTH not Once but Twice, we believe this is the first time in its history that the TDU has a return stint through a town. We believe this is a reward due to the fantastic effort and show OTH puts on to promote and celebrate

the TDU in South Australia.

The first time through (12.05pm) there will be a Sprint stage start at the Blacksmith Inn, (the second time OTH has hosted a sprint stage) and at 2.30pm the bikes will come through again on their final stint to Mawson Lakes.

The Township of OTH has Best Dressed Bike, Mad Hat and Best “T” Shirt Design competitions g o i n g , i t p r o v i d e s f r e e entertainment via Brass bands, Folk singers and face painting. Free MacDonalds farm and

Country Market and a show of vintage and muscle cars including Mad Max’s Interceptor car. The local Deli sponsors the Loll ies (Australian Costume Animals) hand out free to the crowd along with free baseball type hats to keep the sun away and promote its sponsors.

The Township is dressed up with art work provided by our local Primary School and a team of dedicated volunteers. Flags representing the participating Countries along with over 2000 balloons, bike Sculptures and

colourful displays adorn the main street and a festive a t m o s p h e re i s c re a te d providing a fun filled day for all involved.

The Township of OTH has won for Two Years in a row “Best Dressed Town on route” for it’s particular stage and “Best Dressed Town on route “Overall” for Two years in a row and has also won the Silver award (2nd prize) for Best Dressed Town “Over all stages 1-5” for Two Years in a row.

stars taking part in the Tour.

Our Tour Down Under is the first event of the UCI ProTour international cycling season. Gawler is part of the 140 km Stage 1 route from Norwood to Mawson Lakes. This is your opportunity to witness Lance Armstrong and other exceptional riders compete for the prestigious Ochre Leader Jersey.

Light MP Tony Piccolo is a great advocate of the Tour Down Under because he recognises this event is great fun, but also good for local business and jobs.

And thousands of visitors will discover all the great things to see and do in the region and in South

Local Gawler Olympian Jack Bobridge.

8 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 9, January 2009

SERVING OUR SENIORS

MILESTONES

While the Federal Government’s one off lump sum payment to pensioners will have made December a little easier, there is ongoing support from the State Government to assist during the year.

The State Government provides a range of entitlements to eligible pensioners, seniors, Centrelink recipients and others. These include:

60% concession on Council • Rates up to a maximum of $190

Up to $120 energy concession • paid on your electricity bill

20% concession on water rates • with a minimum of $95 and a maximum of 42000 for home owners

60% concession on sewerage • rates to a maximum of $95

Approximately 50% off the cost • of a ticket on public transport

Exemption from the Save the • River Murray levy

Up to $40 concession on your • Emergency Services Levy

Assistance with purchasing • prescription glasses

Half price on motor vehicle • registration and drivers licence fees.

Member for Light Tony Piccolo said, “I’ve heard from some people that they have not been aware of all of the concessions available to them.”

“In particular I encourage people to check their eligibility for the 60% concession on Council rates. People do not need to own their own home to be eligible for this concession they just need to contribute to the payment of rates.”

For more details about what c o n c e s s i o n s y o u m a y b e eligible for please contact the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758.

“If you are unsure about how to fill in the required forms please call into the office and we’ll give you a hand”, Tony said.

Concessions For SeniorsIf you have had enough of unsolicited telemarketer calls, there is something you can do about it. By registering your fixed line private home and/or mobile phone number(s) with the Australian Communications and Media Authority “Do Not Call Register”, domestic and overseas telemarketers are precluded from contacting these numbers for a period of 3 years.

While new applicants are advised that it can take up to 30 days for telemarketers to remove your number(s) from their call lists, after this time unsolicited telemarketers who breach the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 risk having significant fines imposed upon them.

It should be noted, however, that “market researchers” and other organisations that “operate in the public interest” such as “charities, religious organisations, educational institutions, government bodies, registered political parties, independent members of parliament and nominated political candidates” are exempt from Register compliance.

Should you wish to register a complaint against a non-exempt telemarketer please ring 1300 792 958 or alternatively, visit the website at www.donotcall.gov.au.

Do Not Call Register applications, expiry date information, and deletions can also be confirmed by telephone on 1300 792 958, online at https://www.donotcall.gov.au and for the hearing or speech impaired at www.relayservice.com.au, or via the mail at PO Box 42, North Melbourne, VIC 3051.

Do Not Call Register

South Australian Seniors can now access new transport concessions when they travel interstate from 1 January as a new national scheme begins to roll out.

Seniors visiting South Australia can also get concession fares on South Australian public transport providing more incentives for grey nomads to spend their tourist dollars in South Australia.

The Rudd Government has offered more than $1.4 million over four years to the South Australian Government so that it can provide concessions to Seniors Card holders who are using public transport services outside their home state.

Until now, South Australian Seniors Cards have only entitled the holder to public transport concessions in South Australia.

The new arrangements mean that seniors travelling interstate can now access cheaper fares on local

Transport Concessions For Seniors

A number of retailers throughout the metropolitan area have been found to be misleading customers about their refund rights during the Christmas shopping period.

Light Mp Mr Tony Piccolo said that he had been advised the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs had monitored the refund practices and price-scanning accuracy of 470 retailers in the busy pre-Christmas period and 43 were found to be misleading customers.

Mr Piccolo said a number of refund signs were found displaying misleading statements such as:

No exchange on sale items •

No refunds due to hygiene reasons (eg • swimwear & earrings)

No refunds, exchange only •

No refund on lay-bys •

No refund on interest free items •

The Minister for Consumer Affairs the Hon Gail Gago said “Retailers need to understand their legal obligations with regard to fair trading. Signs that say no refund are illegal,”

“Stores cannot limit a consumer’s right to refund, either through their own ignorance of the law or their efforts to dodge their responsibilities.”

Mr Piccolo said if the law says that someone is entitled to a refund, then stores cannot add their own criteria or qualifications to that.

Mr Piccolo stressed that consumers are entitled to a refund if goods are defective, do not match the description or do not do what they are supposed to.

The Minister also reminded consumers. “They are not entitled to a refund just because they change their mind”.

M r Piccolo sa id that if a consumer was buying a gift for someone they should ask about the store’s return p o l i c y, b e c a u s e m a n y t r a d e r s o f f e r g e n e r o u s conditions above the minimum legal requirements, but others do not.

transport in their destination city. For example a South Australian Seniors Card holder travelling to Sydney can access seniors’ fares on the Sydney Harbour ferry services.

South Australian seniors now also get concession fares on bus and train travel in other states and territories through the scheme.

Likewise, seniors visiting South Australia will get concession fares on SA public transport.

The scheme commenced on 1 January in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

Discussions with the Western Austra l ian and Queensland governments are continuing.

In the meantime, from 1 January 2009 Queensland began offering concessions on its urban public transport to interstate concession holders.

Know Your Refund Rights

Light MP Tony Piccolo talks with local seniors Barbara Harrison (left) and Glenys Collins (right).

Minister Gail Gago.

Joe & Linda McGlen 50th Anniversary

Allen & Betty Loffler 50th Anniversary

Stan & Edna Collins 60th Anniversary

Eric & Eva Deer 60th Anniversary

Cyril & Lil Crosby 60th Anniversary

Edition 9, January 2009 | ENLIGHTENED | 9

Stefan Meets Minister

SECURING OUR WATER

Former St Brigid’s student Stefan Anesbury ’s concern for the environment is so strong that he wrote to his local member of parliament Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo about what his former school was doing about water conservation.

In his letter to Mr Piccolo Stefan said “I am writing to you because I feel that as a community, we need to find more and better ways to conserve water and to push for more water saving resources in the community.”

Stefan went on to acknowledge the things that the government has done to try to save water but he believes that more can and should be done.

“While there are lots of ideas and solutions, most Australians want to be able to save water.” said Stefan.

So impressed was Mr Piccolo with Stefan’s interest in water conservation he arranged for him to meet with the Minister for

While the drought and associated water restrictions have presented gardeners with some challenges, Milton Vadoulis of Vadoulis Garden Centre maintains that it is still possible to have a “good garden” and to be “water wise” with it. Toward that end, this experienced horticulturalist says that gardeners should seek out professional advice on drought tolerant plants, soil preparation, moisture retaining mulch, and optimal water management. In the latter case, for example, Milton recommends watering the garden “less often yet deeply over an extended time” and whenever possible, utilising harvested rainwater and grey water.

Water Security the Hon. Karlene Maywald.

The meeting was attended by Stefan, school friend Cameron Lowe and the head of the school ground Mr Luke Edwards.

A t t h e m e e t i n g , h e l d i n parliament house, Stefan advised the Minister about the projects the school was undertaking to conserve water.

The Minister then outlined to Stefan the Government’s 4 point plan to secure the state’s water supply.

The Minister told the school delegation that the Government strategy was as follows:

minimise use of water•

maximise reuse of storm and • waste water

build a desalination plant•

better connecting existing • resources

Mr Piccolo said the Government was encouraging people to use less water through a range of

Green Thumb

St Brigids primary school at Evanston has established a water harvesting system on the site that will capture just over a million litres of water in an average rainfall year.

The system, the brainchild of head groundsman Mr Luke Edwards, has been designed and developed with the assistance of the school’s architect and Mr Paul Harris, a natural resources expert at the University of Adelaide.

School principal Mr Paul Bennett said the “harvesting system is an excellent learning tool that will demonstrate how we can help save the River Murray by using stormwater”

Mr Edwards said the system has four key components:

Detention basin which will allow • for the collection of a maximum amount of water.

A holding tank which allows • for a secondary source of water should the basin be depleted.

Two pumps that allow water to • be transferred to the buildings attached to the system and for irrigation.

Pipes that allow the various • parts of the system to work together.

The system was funded with financial assistance from the Federal governments through the community water grants.

Deputy Principal Mr Gennaro Mannella said the aim of the system is to harvest water from all the hard surfaces at the school and get all toilets connected to it.

rebates that not only save water but also money.

Mr Piccolo said the desalination plant will ensure access to high quality drinking water even when rainfall is low and it will reduce our reliance on the River Murray.

“A desalination plant removes salt and impurities from sea water and turns it into fresh, quality drinking water.” said Mr Piccolo.

The plant wil l produce 50 billion litres of water a year. That’s almost 25% of the water Adelaide needs. The plant will be able to be expanded to produce 100 billion litres of water a year if needed.

“Importantly the plant will be carbon neutral, be operational by 2012 and reduce our reliance on the River Murray for drinking water.”

Mr Piccolo said the new pipeline to connect reservoirs north and south of the city will make it easier to get water to where it’s needed.

M r Piccolo says the R ann Government supports recycling waste water for non-drinking purposes.

“South Australia leads the nation in water recycling.” said Mr Piccolo.

“Currently 29% of waste water in SA is recycled.

“Uses for treated wastewater include irrigation, toilet flushing

and garden watering.”

“ The Government a ims to increase the level of waste water recycled in SA to up to nearly 45%.”

Following the meeting with the Minister Stefan wrote to Mr Piccolo thanking him for arranging it and he said he “appreciated the explanation of your government’s four strategies for water conservation”.

C o n t r a r y t o t h e p o p u l a r misconception, a sustainable “water wise” garden need not be limited in design or lack aesthetic appeal, as there are many new and attractive varieties of drought tolerant plants and native grasses to choose from.

Milton says that people also have the option of incorporating other water saving design features such as pavers, pebbles, or tubs in their garden layout.

Whatever your preference, the friendly staff at Vadoulis Garden Centre are ready to assist you in selecting suitable plants (trees,

shrubs, roses, etc.) seeds, and tasteful decorator items, along with practical expert advice on garden design and water conserving measures.

St Brigid’s “Water Harvest”

Vadoulis Garden Centre is open 7 days a week at 554–556 Main North Road, Gawler South, or for phone enquiries please ring 8522 3400.

Saving Water & MoneyTh e S t a t e G o ve r n m e n t is providing rebates to e n c o u r a g e p e o p l e t o conserve water around their homes.

The rebates provide up to:

$100 for Home water audits

$30 for Showerheads

$50 for Garden smart products

$200 for Washing machines

$150 for Dual flush toilets

$1000 for Rainwater tanks Concessions

Water concessions now increased to 20% of the total water bill, to a maximum of $200 for eligible owner-occupiers.

For more information on water rebates and concessions go towww.sawater.com.au

WATERREBATES

From left Luke Edwards student Stefan Anesbury, Dep Principal Gennaro Manella, student Cameron Lowe and Principal Paul Bennett

Milton Vadoulis.

Light MP Tony Piccolo with Minister Maywald and students Stefan Anesbury (left) and Cameron Lowe.

10 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 9, January 2009

ENLIGHTENED PROFILES

Poetry Seeking Justice

Listening to Dudley Kemp is an opportunity to hear all sorts of wisdoms and home truth. Such as his father saying to him, “when you learn to use your hands you might learn to use your head”.

And Dudley did exactly that.

“I was pretty bloody dumb at school”, he said.

This hasn’t stopped Dudley from being a successful and highly respected l ivestock trader, horseman, farmer, stuntman, shearer and jack of all trades.

In his 85th year, Dudley is full of energy and it’s as inspirational as it is enjoyable to spend a spring afternoon listening to his story telling.

Dudley now lives in a very pleasant homestead he built on the outskirts of Roseworthy with

a lovely outlook. As he says, “I love it here”.

Dudley attributes his success to his wife Ellen whom he married in 1947. “I wouldn’t be where I am if not for my wife’s effort”, he said. Dudley is very proud of his children, grandchildren and great children. He says the “little ones” made the day when he and Ellen celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

“ I wa s b o u g ht u p i n t h e depression and as part of that was sent to do all sorts of work under the Manpower scheme”, Dudley explains.

Dudley attributes his success to the hard work and the skills he learnt during those depression years. He did all sorts of manual work and was not afraid to give things a go.

Dudley’s motto that he wants to

“wear out not rust out” certainly holds true. He was a member of the Roseworthy Football Club and played footy until 1966.

From there he became a member of the Central Districts Football Club and he is still a member today.

In 1975 Dudley rode from Hawker to Roseworthy in 3 days to raise money for the Pony Club.

Dudley was 81 years old when he stopped riding horses.

He has fond memories of going to Thistle Island in 1942 to break in 40 horses. One of the big advantages of this trip was, he took what he thought were enough cigarettes to last the trip and ran out and he hasn’t smoked since.

On Christmas day in 1950 he left home to go and work

The Roseworthy Raconteur

S i l v a n a C u s a c k i s t h e Neighbourhood Development Officer for the Peachey Belt which includes Davoren Park and Smithfield Plains.

Her job as she describes it, “is working with the community on issues that are meaningful to them”.

Silvana has been employed by the City of Playford and her position is jointly funded by Housing SA for the past 5 and half years in this role. Prior to this she worked for 5 years as a youth worker with the Northern Area Community Youth Services.

A s a N e i g h b o u r h o o d Development Officer Silvana works closely with the local community on a number of projects. “This is not about me, it’s about what the community does”, she said.

The “Imagine Peachey” project is a Peachey Belt community initiative that Silvana facilitates and is strongly connected to. This project aims to build on co m m u n i t y s t re n g t h s a n d promote positive messages about the local neighbourhoods.

Initiatives include the “Imagine Peachey Information Trailer” which visits local shopping centres along the Peachey Belt on a regular basis to keep the community informed about services and projects within council and is also there to hear what the community have to say and answer any questions they may have. The Imagine Peachey Information Trailer is run by local volunteers as well as the Playford Alive Project Partners.

Silvana facilitates the Playford Alive Community Reference Group (CRG) which represents

the community as part of the Playford Alive project. Its purpose is to consult with the Playford North community and advocate on their behalf within The Project. The CRG is well represented by a number of community members.

“ T h e c o m m i t m e n t a n d contribution of the volunteers to the wide range of projects, committees and events in the Peachey Belt is fantastic”, Silvana said.

As a former youth worker Silvana is particularly excited by the work currently being undertaken to engage local young people. Projects include the Y-Drive project which assists young people to get their L’s. Recently 31 people joined the Y-Drive and 30 were successful in getting their L’s. Then there’s the Peachey Youth Committee which consists of young local people aged 16

Heart For Community

T h e w o r k o f l o c a l p o e t Mar tin Johnson has been a c k n o w l e d g e d i n S t a t e Parliament.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo told parliament that “Martin has made a valuable contribution to the cultural life of Gawler through his work as a writer and poet.”

Mr Piccolo said his work has reflected the lives of the people of Gawler and the surrounding areas. Martin spent his first 12 years of life growing up in the married workers’ camp during the building of the South Para reservoir.

Mr Piccolo said at the camp Martin became acutely aware of the working-class lifestyle:

Silvana Cusack.

at Pt Augusta on the f i lm “Kangaroo” starring Maureen O’Hara. Maureen was an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age and at the height of her career was considered one of the world’s most beautiful women.

As a fine horseman Dudley is amused to tell the story that he

got “paid 25 quid for falling off” as a stuntman on the film set.

Dudley’s stories enable you to hear of an Australian life full of adventures and experiences lost to many of us. They are stories steeped in a loving family and many friendships made a long the way.

to 25 who are actively involved in contributing to the future of their community.

The volunteers and Silvana’s passion and dedication in their work highlights the vibrancy and commitment of so many people to see the positive changes

taking place in the Peachey Belt. As you can see it is a busy and exciting place to both work and live.

If you would like any more details about these projects please contact Silvana on 8256 0155.

the daily struggles, the lack of opportunity and the hopes and dreams of the men who worked there, and their families.

Af ter a st int in the Royal A u s t r a l i a n Navy and at a brick-making factory, Martin began writing poetry while working as a p i e c e - w o r k timber feller at the Mount C r a w f o r d forest back in 1981.

Martin’s first book A Kind of Madness, an

anecdotal history of timber felling at Mount Crawford between 1926 and 1986, was published in 1990. This was followed, in 1992, by 20 Houses, an anecdotal history of the building of the South Para reservoir.

Martin’s first book of poetry, After the Axe-Men (poems from Mount

Crawford forest), was published by Penguin Books in 1996. This was followed by three more commercially produced books of poetry.

The Clothes-prop Man (poems from the South Para reservoir), was launched as part of the 2002 Adelaide Festival of Arts Writers’ Week followed by Hometown Burial, which was launched during the 2002 Tasmanian Poetry Festival.

Disappointed by the lack of oppor tunit ies and suppor t by Australian book publishers, Martin started his own small press called Brand New Lino in 2005.

Martin has since published three collections: The Hermit Crab’s New Home, which attempts to portray something of the lives of ordinary people disadvantaged

by a lack of opportunity and low incomes; Living with Ghosts (2006), which brought to life the history of the town of Gawler between 1839 and 2000; and his more recent work, City of Now, which is a poetic and photographic interpretation of the character of a country town (Gawler) at the beginning of the 21st century.

On Sunday, 25 June 1995, Martin, along with his partner, poet Cathy Young, began the first Gawler Poetry Reading and, since that date, there have been around 80 more.

M a r t i n s a y s , ‘ M o r e t h a n anything else I believe in the value of ordinary people to the community in which they live.’

Dudley Kemp.

From Left left Tony Piccolo MP, Martin Johnson and Cathy Young and media personality Peter Goers at a poetry anthology launch.

Edition 9, January 2009 | ENLIGHTENED | 11

John Chambers HonouredFOCUS ON OUR SCHOOLS

A former Gawler High teacher has had his contribution to the school posthumously recognised t h ro u g h t wo n e w a n n u a l academic awards.

The awards, in i t iated and sponsored by Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo recognise the contribution made to Gawler H i g h by t h e l a te J o h n R Chambers.

Mr Piccolo has initiated the John Chambers Memorial Award for Excellence in the study of Humanities and the Ploughshare Award for Effort in the Study of the Humanities.

Speaking at the recent Gawler high Presentation Ceremony Mr Piccolo said John Chambers was his Economics teacher when he

G a w l e r t e a c h e r M r Tr o y Matthews has won a National Excellence in Teaching Award for his work with students with disabilities at Smithfield Plains High School.

According to Smithfield Plains High School principal Ms Sandy Richardson Troy is a caring, committed and hard working teacher.

Troy develops individual learning programs for each of the students and has assisted other teachers to modify their curriculum and assessment to cater for their students with disabilities.

“He is constantly evaluating the programs he has taught and devising new programs of work to engage and inspire in his students a love of learning.” said Ms Richardson.

Ms Richardson said every year Troy’s students have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which includes a camp.

“This year his students achieved their Silver Award and they are currently working towards their Gold Award.”

All of Troy’s students have attended the formal presentation ceremonies and have been proud of their significant achievements.

Troy has created a stimulating learning environment for his students, where student work is displayed, the classroom is organised and all students have been provided with the resources to support their learning.

“Troy’s students attend regularly and his class has the highest attendance rate at the school.”

Not surprisingly 100 percent of his ex students have made the successful transition from special education to meaningful work after they have completed their schooling.

Ms Richardson said Troy has

Troy the Teriffic Teacher

excellent student management skills where his students are rarely involved in inappropriate incidents.

“This is quite an achievement considering he works with s t u d e n t s w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s who also have challenging behaviours.

“His commitment to his students goes beyond what is expected of a teacher as he chooses to keep his classroom open at recess and lunchtimes to provide supervision for students who need a safe place to go.”

Governing Council Chairperson A m a n d a H o p k i n s o n s a i d importantly Troy keeps close contact with family members allowing them to contact him on his mobile at any time including after school and weekends and regularly updates parents on improvements and future activities.

“He is always willing to make time to speak to family members and ensures all concerns are a d d re s s e d e f f i c i e n t l y a n d effectively.”

Troy believes his students can accompl ish anything they

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo was one of the guest speakers at a breakfast arranged for the graduating year 7 class at Immanuel Lutheran Primary School at Gawler.

Mr Piccolo congratulated the school for initiating this event because it is part of the “rite of passage” for these students.

“The idea of the breakfast is to honour the students’ contribution to the school and to assist them in their journey to the next stage of their life, that is, secondary education.” said Mr Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said the breakfast was a great idea and hoped the school will continue with the event.

attempt and to date has not been mistaken.

Ms Hopkinson said Troy is a humble teacher who deserves recognition for his continued efforts and loyalty to these students who have gained so much by having the good fortune to have been in his classroom.

was a student at Gawler High School.

Mr Piccolo said he regarded John as a great teacher, and his support helped him to go on and study Economics at Adelaide University, which set the stage for my life in public office.

“I regarded John more than just a teacher – he was my mentor” said Mr Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said he strongly believes that teachers can be a positive influence on the lives of their students and that John Chambers was one of those teachers.

John Chambers started teaching at Gawler High in 1971 one year prior to Mr Piccolo starting Year

8 in 1972.

John was trained as a maths and science teacher and then went on to study Economics at Adelaide University.

Mr Piccolo said Gawler High was the first school at which John taught Economics, and he was one of his first economics students.

“Both John and I shared a strong interest and passion in economics. “

“I believe every student should study economics; the tools of analysis you learn can help you throughout your life.” said Mr Piccolo.

“I believe an understanding of

economics certainly improves the quality of public debate.”

“John was not only a great teacher but also a great human being.”

“I was deeply saddened when John died from cancer at the age of 48.”

“I have very fond memories of both John and Gawler High and these awards acknowledge the contribution that John made to the school and my education.” Mr Piccolo said he was deeply honoured that John’s family have given him approval to initiate these awards and pleased that John’s wife Michele was at the ceremony to present the Awards.

Graduation Breakfast

T h e G a w l e r H i g h S c h o o l Foundation Inc. has elected a new board.

Robert (Bob) Congdon, a student at the school in the 1950s and head prefect in his graduating year has been elected president of the board.

Mr Congdon said this week that he welcomed the opportunity to serve in a role which offered the opportunity to contribute to the school which had given so much to his family. The wider Congdon family has had involvement in the Gawler High School for over 80 years as students, office bearers

in the Old Scholars Association, in school administration, and teaching.

Light MP Mr Tony Piccolo said as an init ial and impor tant step the Gawler High School Foundation will be contacting former students and community minded enterprises in early 2009 asking for their help to establish an endowment fund to support a number of planned annual student scholarships.

M r C o n g d o n s a i d t h e s e scholarships will be awarded on the bas is of need and demonstrated application to studies.

Mr Congdon said the Foundation Board is also working closely with the Gawler High School principal, Greg Harvey, and the Governing Council to plan for the anticipated broader needs of the high school as it faces the challenges of growth, change and new directions in the decade ahead.

Gawler High School celebrated its centenary in 2007. Throughout its 100 years the school has consistently produced students who have gone on to excel in commercial, professional, military, and political life.

New High School Foundation Board Moves Ahead

Top: Michele Chambers with Plough-share award winner Daniel Clift and Light MP Tony Piccolo.

Right: Memorial award winner Rebekah Wright with Light MP Tony Piccolo.

Teacher Troy Matthews with students (from left) Tracey Lemin, Felicity Allan, Natasha Harfield and Hope Bromilow.

Light MP Tony Piccolo with Immanuel School Year 7 Graduating Class.

12 | ENLIGHTENED | Edition 9, January 2009 enlightened@cjtdesign.com.au | www.cjtdesign.com.au |

CELEBRATING AUSTRALIA DAY

For more information contact Lauren Slattery, Communications Officer, the City of Playford, on 8256 0333 or by email – lslattery@playford.sa.gov.au

Drop into to one or all of

the City of Playford’s FREE

Australia Day celebrations

on Monday 26th January.

AUSTRALIAMONDAY 26 January 2009 DAY

FREE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

8:00am – 10:30am

Fremont Park (corner of Main North

and Yorktown Road, Elizabeth).

Music, children’s activities, vintage vehicles on

display and presentation of Australia Day Awards.

CITY OF PLAYFORD CAR CAVALCADE

From 7:30am

Cars will gather at Fremont Park from 7:30am

and depart for cavalcade across the city from 10am.

Cars are expected to arrive at the finishing point

– the Community Event at Virgara Winery

at approximately 11:30am.

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY

11:00amShedley Theatre, Playford Civic Centre.

COMMUNITY EVENT

12 midday – 2:00pm

Virgara Winery (Heaslip Road, Angle Vale).

Live band, children’s activities, BBQ lunch

and vintage vehicles on display. display.

TOWN OF GAWLER

AUSSIE MERCHANDISE

CATALOGUE

Come along and join in the celebrations Australia Day Breakfast Monday 26 January 2009 Apex Park Julian Terrace, Gawler

Breakfast served from 7am. Followed by Citizenship Ceremony and Presentation of Australia Day Awards.

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Australia Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate all the things that are good about our country, particularly those that distinguish us from other nations.

While many other nations have thriving democracies and enjoy a wide range of freedoms, there are in my opinion, two distinct values that differentiate us from other countries and make Australia a great place to live.

These values are about a “fair go” for

authority. This has given us a very open and accessible democracy.

These important values should not, however, be taken for granted. We all have, irrespective of our origins or what believe in, have a duty to protect those values.

So on Australia Day as we celebrate our achievements let us remember those values that underpin our celebrations.

all and our strong sense and belief in “equality” amongst all people.

These values enable us to live in a way that accepts diversity and difference to produce a strong sense of community. It is no accident that Australia has one of the highest, if not the highest, levels of volunteering in the world.

Our egalitarian values also engender in us a healthy while respectful scepticism towards those in positions of power or

A Message From The Local State Member Mr Tony Piccolo MP

A Message From The Federal Member For Wakefield

Mr Nick Champion MP

A Day For All Australians

Australia Day means many things to many people. Of course, Australia Day is a time for most of us to relax with our friends and families; to enjoy a barbecue or to watch the cricket.

But it is also a day for us all to reflect on what it means to be Australian.

For me, Australia Day is about bringing Australians together to celebrate our great country and the values we all share. Values like a fair go for everyone, mutual respect, freedom of speech and religion, equality, the rule of law and democracy.

It is a day on which to celebrate both our shared heritage and our rich diversity. To reflect on our history and the roles we can all play in building our country’s future.

Australia Day is about all of us looking to the future, with pride and optimism.

Mayor Brian SambellAustralia Day has a special meaning to me in my 65th year of a wonderful life .

I was born in this area on the 11th April 1943 and seen many changes to our community. I attended my schooling and have worked in gawler all of this time. I think the special part of this is where Gawler is placed in the state of South Australia between two beautiful rivers at the base of the Mt Lofty Ranges .

Australia Day gives me time to reflect on the growing up days in Gawler. Trapping rabbits and catching yabbies and fish in those rivers was a great experience with friends and swimming in the large pools of clear water.

Time also to reflect on the good and not so good times and what our achievements have been and our roundness at this time. Very proud of the support that has been shown to me over this time and now as Mayor of the greatest town in Australia. I also acknowledge that I proudly stand on the traditional land of the Kaurna people and respect their spiritual relationship with their country.

I also take time out to remember my Father And Mother, coming to settle in Gawler In 1941 and remember how hard it was back then to enjoy what we had.

As Mayor I think also of those in need in our community and support the many groups of volunteers, service clubs and institutions supporting them. Australia day is for us all AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE - and enjoy and be proud of your achievements .

I do hope you all have a great Australia Day 2008 in Gawler.

Mayor Robert HornsbyWhat Australia Day means to me.

Australia Day, on January 26, commemorates the landing of the First Fleet in Port Jackson in 1788. It is the day we choose to officially celebrate being Australian and to give thanks for being fortunate enough to live in, arguably, the best country in the world.

Over the 221 years since that “original” Australia Day, there have been many other events which have shaped our sense of being Australian and some might argue that there may be other reasons that could be used to celebrate a national day. We have, however, chosen this day and over the years it has grown to where almost 8 million people attend official Australia Day events, and a recent survey estimates that around 5 million others enjoy informal and family occasions celebrating the day.

The first Australians were here many years before white settlement. Subsequently, people of many ethnic origins now make up the composition of our population, as is the case in many countries. However, unlike many countries, Australia has grown into a tolerant and welcoming country where many races and cultures live in harmony. To me this is the essence of the Australian character – a willingness to give everyone a fair go.

Australia is a democratic country where one’s politics or religion can be freely expressed without fear of violent consequence; where freedom of the press is practiced; where opportunity abounds for those who choose to take it; and where every effort is made to care for the vulnerable and the needy.

Mayor Martin LindsellAustralia Day is an exciting time in my calendar because it brings people from all over Australia together to celebrate and be a part of our great country.

It’s a day when the true Australian ethos is expressed in so many ways whether it be our unique language, great lifestyle or just being involved in Citizenship ceremonies that acknowledge a great milestone in people’s lives when they choose to become ‘Aussies’.

You see it in their faces and in their actions whether they are young or young at heart, people of all nationalities embrace their new homeland with passion and certainly express themselves through their body language and in sharing such an important occasion with family and friends.

Australia Day is a day of true national identity where everyone can celebrate together either at a bar-b-que, a quiet lunch or coffee, down the beach, at a winery or just doing your own thing!

Australia Day is about being Australian and yet acknowledging the long history of this country and its Aboriginal people. It ’s also about recognising their spiritual relationship with their country and culture.

And importantly, it’s about walking alongside each other for the betterment of all Australians.

Let’s celebrate a great country – Our Australia!

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