CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr ZAPPIA (Makin) (10:25): I rise to speak about two wonderful community organisations within the Makin electorate. I refer to the Tea Tree Players Theatre and the Wynn Vale Community Garden. Both of these community groups provide an invaluable service whilst responding to what some might describe as a niche community area of interest.

The Wynn Vale Community Garden celebrated its 30th anniversary last Saturday, with hundreds of visitors coming through to look, learn and buy the wide array of gardening products on display. Since its establishment, the community garden has been an extraordinary success story, growing in size and with its membership and gardens bursting at the seams. Currently led by Phil Meadows and an extensive team of dedicated volunteers, the garden's success can be attributed to the passionate gardening enthusiasts and volunteers who, over the past 30 years, have done an extraordinary job in growing quality fruit and vegetables, meticulously maintaining the centre, educating others about plant growth and providing fresh fruit and vegetables to local charities.

Today, with backyards disappearing, the value of community gardens has never been greater. They cater for people who don't have any land to grow fresh produce but who enjoy doing so and can be educational for children who want to know about food production. They can also be a place where friendships are made and surplus produce is used to feed people in need.

We could do with more community gardens—in a similar way that men's sheds are now everywhere—because of their social value, for relatively little cost, in an ever-changing society. I congratulate everyone involved in the Wynn Vale Community Garden over the past 30 years and thank them for their contribution to our community. Likewise with the Tea Tree Players Theatre, the best little theatre in Adelaide, which has been bringing so much joy to patrons and live stage performance opportunities to budding and experienced performers for some 50 years.

Again, in a changing world where technology is widely used to enhance performance, it is refreshing to watch live stage performers. Over the years, Tea Tree Players Theatre has entertained audiences with brilliant performances across a diverse range of comedy, drama and pantomime productions for young and old, mostly written and directed by local identities. The 120-seat theatre simultaneously gives aspiring local actors an opportunity to perform on live stage and develop their skills and confidence.

Again, my compliments to all involved over the years, and, to the current crew, led by Theresa Dolman, I say thank you for keeping live theatre going, and thank you for the enjoyment I get every time I come to one of your shows.