Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

International Women's Day gives us an important opportunity each year to pause and recognise the women who shape our communities in quiet, determined and often extraordinary ways. It is a moment to celebrate achievement, to acknowledge leadership and to recognise the countless contributions women make every day to families, workplaces and community life across Australia.

Over the past week, I had the privilege of attending the Burundian community of South Australia's International Women's Day celebration with the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in South Australia, Zoe Bettison, and the Mayor of Playford, Glenn Docherty—a warm and welcoming gathering that brought together families, community leaders and women from across the Burundian community. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women's achievements, to share stories and to reflect on the role women play in strengthening multicultural communities here in Australia.

Events like this are incredibly important. They create space for connection, for reflection and for recognising the many women who contribute to building vibrant, resilient communities far from the countries where many first begin their journeys. Australia's story has always been shaped by migration, and communities like the Burundian community here in South Australia are a powerful reminder of that strength that cultural diversity brings to our nation.

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The women in that community are leaders, mentors, mothers, business owners and community organisers. They help preserve culture and tradition while also building opportunities for the next generation of young Australians.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Emmanuel Bizimana, President of the Burundian Community of South Australia. Emmanuel's dedication to his community is evident in everything he does. Through leadership, organisation and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together he continues to create opportunities for the Burundian community to connect, celebrate and support one another. Leadership like that strengthens not just one community but the broader community we all share.

It was a privilege to attend this event and celebrate the achievements of Burundian women who are making a positive difference here in South Australia. These gatherings highlight something very important. When women from multicultural backgrounds are supported and empowered, the entire community benefits. Their voices, experiences and perspectives strengthen our national story. They help shape a society that is inclusive, compassionate and forward-looking.

As the federal member for Spence I often reflect on the remarkable woman our electorate is named after, Catherine Helen Spence. Catherine Spence was one of the most influential reformers in South Australian history. She was a writer, a social advocate and a passionate champion for fairness and democratic reform. At a time where women were largely excluded from public life, Catherine Spence stepped forward and made her voice heard. She advocated for electoral reform, for education and for a more just and representative society. Most famously, she became Australia's first female political candidate, running for election at a time when women were still fighting for the right to vote. That courage, that determination to speak up and advocate for change, helped shaped the democratic institutions we know today.

Her life reminds us that progress often begins with individuals who refuse to accept the limits placed upon them. Representing an electorate named after Catherine Spence is a great honour. It is a constant reminder that leadership means lifting others up, expanding opportunity and ensuring that every person, regardless of background, has a chance to contribute. The women we celebrate on International Women's Day carry fourth that same spirit. They lead in business, in sporting clubs, in volunteer organisations and in communities across the north.

Another event I had the pleasure of attending recently was the Gawler International Women's Day Breakfast, with James Agness, a candidate for Light, me, Nathan Shanks and councillors from Town of Gawler Council. This event has become a cherished tradition in the local community, bringing together women from across Gawler and the surrounding districts to celebrate leadership and community service. This year's breakfast was held at Nixon Function Centre, and it was completely sold out. The strong turnout says a lot about the value the Gawler community places on recognising women's achievements and sharing stories of leadership.

Guests gathered early in the morning to listen to a powerful and deeply personal address from Nicole Dempster, coordinator of The Haven in Gawler. Nicole spoke candidly about her remarkable 40-year career with South Australia Police. It was a career defined by dedication, professionalism and service to the people of South Australia. But Nicole's story did not end with her time in uniform. She also shared her journey of confronting and recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Her willingness to speak openly about that experience was both courageous and inspiring. It reminded everyone in the room that strength is not just about perseverance through difficult moments; it's also about having the courage to seek help, to heal and to support others facing similar challenges. Her story resonated deeply with many in attendance, and reinforced the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing in our communities.

The breakfast also recognised a number of extraordinary women whose dedication to community life in Gawler continue to make a lasting difference. These women represent the very best of local leadership, service and volunteerism. Shirley Banson was recognised for her services to the Gawler Bowling Club. Ann-Marie Bookman was honoured for her longstanding work supporting Gawler's environment and ecology. Melissa Hardy was acknowledged for her contributions to the Gawler town band, helping sustain an important cultural institution in the community.

Councillor Helen Hennessey was recognised for her dedication to promoting and preserving the history of the town of Gawler. Sarah Henson received recognition for her work in business and for her charitable initiatives, including her involvement with Love for Lobes. Erica Kokoschke was celebrated for her service to the Gawler VIEW Club. Marie-Louise Lees was acknowledged for her work with the Rotary Club of Gawler, contributing to projects that support the community locally and internationally. Katrina May was recognised for her service to the Gawler business community and her ongoing support for local enterprise.

Karen McColl was honoured for her enduring commitment to the Willaston Football Club, supporting generations of local players and families. Jayne Polito was recognised for her service to the Gawler and District Tennis Association, helping to grow participation in sport across the region.

Sondra Taylor received recognition for her contribution to the Gawler Show, an event that has long been a highlight of community life. Tanya Veldkamp was acknowledged for her service to the Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural and Floricultural Society. Belinda Wellington was recognised for her advocacy on women's health issues, an area of work that has helped raise awareness and provide support for many in community. Bianca Williams was honoured for her contributions to Co-op BLGW, strengthening local cooperation and community initiatives. And Kim Wright was recognised for her enduring commitment to the Gawler community through years of dedicated service.

Each of these women has made a lasting contribution to our community, often through volunteer work, through leadership and through countless hours spent supporting others. Their efforts remind us that community strength is built not just through large national decisions but through local action, through people who step forward to help organise events, run clubs, mentor young people, advocate for causes and create opportunities for others. That spirit of service is something we see across the north every single day. From multicultural community organisations and sporting clubs to volunteer groups and charities, women are often at the centre of these efforts. They organise, they lead, they support and they inspire. International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate those contributions, but it is also a reminder that the work of advancing equality and opportunity continues. Ensuring women have equal access to education, employment, leadership and community participation remains a priority, because when women succeed, communities grow stronger, families prosper, and societies become more inclusive and resilient.

These events I attended across the north this International Women's Day, from the Burundian community celebration to the Gawler breakfast, demonstrate the incredible contributions women make every day. They also remind us of something Catherine Spence understood more than a century ago: progress happens when people step forward to lift others up, it happens when communities support one another and it happens when we recognise the value of every voice. To the women we have celebrated today, thank you for everything you do. Thank you for your leadership, your service and your commitment to strengthening our communities. To all women across Australia and Adelaide's northern suburbs, happy International Women's Day.

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