CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms CLUTTERHAM (Sturt) (16:02): The On Statenborough retirement village at Leabrook in my electorate of Sturt is not your ordinary retirement village, as I found out when I visited the village to speak to the residents as part of a Q&A session. The session took place courtesy of what is known as the Coopers Club, which is the social group at On Statenborough. Called the Coopers Club because it occupies the historic former site of the world famous Coopers Brewery, the club features not only a fully licensed clubhouse offering bistro dining, Friday night happy hours and social events in a space that honours its heritage but also kind, community minded, highly intelligent and politically engaged residents.
My attendance at the Q&A session was hugely enjoyable, with questions covering a broad range of topics, including housing, the environment, water, the role of personal accountability, social cohesion, AUKUS and foreign affairs. Led by June Genders, president, and Ann Jensen, secretary, the Q&A session was an opportunity not only for the residents to discuss with me issues that are important to them but for me to meet and mingle with them over a glass of wine.
I learned that the village is home to former doctors, academics, engineers, public servants, mothers and fathers, many of whom are now grandparents or great grandparents approaching well over 90 years of age. These residents continue to dedicate their lives to their community and family, and this ongoing dedication is something to be cherished, recognised and celebrated.
A few weeks ago I had the honour of attending the Campbelltown Art show in my electorate of Sturt, which is run in partnership between the Campbelltown City Council and Campbelltown Rotary Club. Beautiful and diverse art was on display, ranging from pottery, sculptures, photography, oils and watercolours. Many of the pieces had a red 'sold' sticker on them, underscoring the importance and popularity of art in our community.
I presented the Youth Artist Award to Millie, a 14-year-old student from Saint Ignatius' College at Athelstone. Millie, who was accompanied by her very proud parents, loves art and paints as much as she can, using her bedroom as her studio. Her winning piece, called Lorikeet, was bright and colourful, with texture and movement reflected in the delicate feathers of the bird.
The Campbelltown art show also featured spectacular artworks by Matt Cooper, an Iwaidja artist from the Cobourg Peninsula in West Arnhem who is currently based in the Adelaide Hills. Matt's art, which he produces under the banner of Saltwater Stories, focuses on connecting to country and culture, producing flowing, calming works that tell stories of land and sea.
His work is truly beautiful, and I hope to maybe one day have a piece hanging on a wall in my house. Thanks must go to curator Sue Eliseo; the Campbelltown City Council, particularly Mayor Jill Whittaker; and Gail Casey, the President of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown, for creating such a beautiful event.