Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone is calling on Riverland and Mallee residents to support small business and bolster local jobs by shopping local this Christmas.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:49): I rise to speak about some of the iconic events that have been happening in the Riverland and Chaffey over the recent week.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (12:04): I, too, would like to rise and make a contribution to the Coorong Environmental Trust Bill. I stand here today somewhat frustrated that we again see another advocacy group wanting to be formed to deal with what has been the elephant in the room within the Murray-Darling Basin for a very long time.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:57): I would like to rise today to speak about something that is very important to all the regions internationally. Tomorrow is International Day of Rural Women. This year's theme is 'Building rural women's resilience in the wake of COVID-19'. This is an opportunity to celebrate and honour women and girls living in rural areas, particularly in South Australia and more particularly in the electorate of Chaffey.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:36): Today I rise to talk about the most recent sporting and school events in Chaffey.

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.