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Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:40): Thank you, sir, and did you know that today is national R U OK? Day, with this year's theme of 'Are you really okay?' It is a reminder to reach out and to start a conversation with friends, with family and with your work colleagues. We know that mental health and mental illness have been a significant contributor to suicide here in South Australia.
Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (12:36): I, too, rise to support this motion, a very important motion: Vietnam Veterans Day on 18 August. The Battle of Long Tan conflict lasted from 1954 to 1975. The day is an opportunity to reflect on the involvement of Australia and others who served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1972. Almost 60,000 Australians served over the 10 years of involvement, with more than 3,000 wounded and 521 making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:37): I would like to rise and talk about some of the goings-on in Chaffey of recent times, and the first thing I would like to talk about is a recent visit by the Minister for Innovation and Skills.
The Marshall Government’s State Budget will secure a stronger future for Chaffey through the creation of jobs and better services.
The Riverland will take centre stage with the announcement of South Australia’s newest major festival set to start in the Riverland from September 17 to October 9.
The Training and Skills Forum will provide a chance for Riverland industry, training organisations, employers and apprentices to come together to exchange ideas and work on the challenges facing the sector.
Riverland residents are being reminded to use the QR Code Safe Check-In system when attending businesses across the Riverland.
Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (20:08): I, too, rise to speak on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. As a conscience vote, it has weighed very heavily not only on me but on every member of this parliament because we have a responsibility to our constituency.
Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:49): I rise to talk about a celebration we had in Chaffey last week because it was National Volunteer Week, 17 to 23 May. As many of us would know, volunteers are the fabric, particularly in regional communities, that keeps them bubbling along. There are so many different understandings of what volunteers mean.
Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:51): I would like to reflect on some of the happenings around the electorate of Chaffey over the past week.