CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr PASIN (Barker) (16:37): Earlier this year in my electorate, we recognised an important milestone. It was the 40th anniversary of Generations in Jazz. It's a festival that takes place in my electorate every year, and it has, in fact, taken place every year since 1987.

It has developed into the nation's premier youth music event, bringing together thousands of talented young musicians from across Australia and New Zealand. Each year, more than 5,000 students travel to the Limestone Coast to perform, to compete, to learn and to share their passion for jazz. For one weekend, Mount Gambier and surrounds become a national meeting place for young people who are united by their creativity, their discipline and, most importantly, their love for that best of music styles—jazz.

These students have the opportunity to perform before leading industry professionals, attend workshops with world-class musicians and develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. It's band camp, but better. Many participants and scholarship winners have gone on to successful careers in music.

Just as importantly, countless young people leave the festival with greater confidence, new friendships and unforgettable memories. This festival is a tremendous boost for Mount Gambier and surrounds. It fills our streets, accommodation providers, restaurants and local businesses with visitors from all quarters of the country.

It showcases the very best of regional Australia and demonstrates what can be achieved when a community comes together to support young people in the arts. And undoubtedly the highlight each year is on the Saturday evening when 6,000 excited students listen to a world-class jazz concert housed in the largest tent erected in the Southern Hemisphere. I also wish to recognise the volunteers who go above and beyond in my electorate, having recently acknowledge them during National Volunteer Week.

This year, through my Barker Volunteer Awards program, an extraordinary 139 volunteers were nominated by their peers, their friends, their colleagues and community organisations. These nominations came from right across the electorate, highlighting the incredible depth of generosity that exists throughout Barker. Whether it's supporting sporting clubs, emergency services, schools, charities, aged-care services, community groups or local events, volunteers are the backbone of all regional communities.

They give of their time freely, often without seeking recognition, simply because they care about helping others and making their communities better places to live, work and raise a family. Every one of those 139 nominees represents countless hours of service and dedication. Every nomination tells a story of kindness, leadership and community spirit.

Thank you again to every single volunteer who gives up their time in my electorate in support of others.