Mr PASIN (Barker) (18:40): As this, the 45th Parliament, draws to an end, I thought I’d take this opportunity to update the House and, in particular, my constituency on some of the projects I am seeking to deliver.
The Coonawarra would be known to many in this place for its great wine, but it is also a great community. If you ever find yourself in the Coonawarra on the last Friday of the month, it is tea night at the Coonawarra Hall. Bring a salad, share a steak, schnitzel or fish. Corkage is $5, or you can ask your friendly local volunteers behind the bar for a local drop; you might well be speaking to one of the world’s premier winemakers.
I checked on the internet, and the flyer says: ‘Have a yarn with the everyday grassroots people of this fine region. Mix and mingle with the winegrowers, the winemakers, the cellar door staff, the viticulturists, the farmers, the store owners, the teachers and their families and so many more.’ It is as authentic as it gets.
These community teas take place in the Coonawarra Hall. The hall was opened on 1 November 1922—and I’m sure they won’t mind me saying it looks like it! It is nearly 100 years old and it is in need of an upgrade. The whole community has been working to raise funds for the much-needed upgrade, as well as applying for grants from government and other places. They have made an application to the Building Better Regions Fund and I for one am making sure that their application is considered seriously by those in a position to deliver that outcome for this exceptional community, a community which, as I said, is known for its wine but is also a fantastic and vibrant community.
