James Stevens (Sturt, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It's a great privilege to rise and pay tribute today to the Payneham RSL, which celebrated its 80th anniversary on Saturday evening, which I had the great pleasure of attending as one of the guests of honour, with the Hon. Vincent Tazia, the Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly; and the Hon. Terry Stephens MLC, representing the Premier. Being the 80th anniversary, the Payneham RSL was established adjacent to the outbreak of the Second World War. It was particularly touching to celebrate the three surviving World War II diggers who are still members of the club, including a very dear family friend of mine, Mr Don Looker, who was a good friend of my grandmother until she passed away—she herself served as a nurse during the Second World War at Heidelberg—along with my grandfather, who served in the Royal Engineers in North Africa and the Pacific.

I would like to congratulate Mark Lawson-Kent, the president, and Scott Jeffrey, the vice-president, for the work they did. It was an absolutely sensational evening with the pipe band and excellent catering. It was a very dignified and fitting tribute to 80 wonderful years for the Payneham RSL. The work they do in the community is so very valued in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.

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