What a night! This year I hosted my annual Winter Warmer in conjunction with the Marilyns to help raise funds for Cancer Council SA.

The Marilyns are a group of bold, fabulous women who take part in the Brighton Jetty Classic, swimming or paddling 400 metres around the Brighton Jetty every February―all dressed head to toe as our favourite ‘50s icon, Marilyn Monroe.

It was great to have the Minister for Energy and Mining, the Hon Dan van Holst Pellekaan and neighbouring MP, Carolyn Power co-host a Home Battery Scheme with me. We had over 80 people attend who were interested in finding out more about this great initiative. 

There are many people who go above and beyond in our community and their work often goes unnoticed. As part of my annual Winter Warmer, I present Community Recognition Awards to acknowledge these people who make a big difference in our community.

If you haven't had an opportunity to use the new Oaklands Railway Station recently, I encourage everyone to pop down, have a look and catch a train (or two!).  The Station looks fantastic, it is bright and airy and is a first class addition to our community.  

The landscaping works are also progressing well with a range of native trees, shrubs and ground covers planted along all four access points to the station.  

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:12): Can I say that it is good to be building SA. It is good to be with a government that is building South Australia right across the state. Right across our regions, we are building this wonderful state.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (11:41): I rise to speak on the motion that you have put before the house, Mr Acting Speaker, that is:

That this house—

(a) recognises that National Science Week is held from 10 to 18 August 2019;

(b) acknowledges the important impact that National Science Week has in promoting and celebrating science across all age groups;

(c) recognises the important role that science plays in the South Australian economy; and

(d) acknowledges the work being undertaken by the state government to increase participation in STEM subjects for students to ensure that young South Australians have the skills for the jobs of the future.

Each day 27 South Australians will hear the words ‘you have cancer’. Many of these people will become survivors, their lives changed forever. But sadly, almost half will lose their lives, leaving behind a never-ending ripple effect on families and friends.

Tucked away in a back street of Brighton hides the home of the Brighton Districts Table Tennis Club.  Most people have probably walked past it without knowing, however the Club has been around since the mid-1950s and is still going strong. 

On Saturday 25 May I attended the official opening of the Oaklands Estate Reserve Upgrade. Despite the rain and cold weather, it was fantastic to see how the upgrades have blended with nature and created a beautiful reserve for all ages to enjoy.  I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful community space in our own backyard.

Each year I have the honour of presenting Community Recognition Awards to deserving people in our community whose work tends to go under the radar.  These people work tirelessly to improve and serve our local area but are often not formally recognised.  It is often the lesser known efforts that make the biggest difference to the lives of others.  Knowing this, I established these Community Recognition Awards to seek out those people and acknowledge how much their work is appreciated.