Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about a wonderful event in my electorate of Barker, the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival, which has been held annually since 1991. The festival aims to promote the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Limestone Coast, an area that boasts a rich history and an enchanting mix of old and new. Penola is the Limestone Coast's oldest town and, although home to only 1,500 residents, it is a vibrant hub of art galleries and cafes and really comes alive during the festival every year in May. The Coonawarra is, of course, one of our nation's premier wine regions, known for its fertile terra rossa soils. It produces the renowned cabernet sauvignon and is home to over 19 stunning cellar doors. These venues come alive and host many different performances, exhibitions and workshops.

Last Sunday, I attended the opening of a photographic exhibition, Portraits of Penola women—they came for love, which tells the story of eight women who came to Penola for love. These women came from places as far away as the USA, the Philippines and Italy and as close by as Mount Gambier, Roxby Downs, Adelaide and Melbourne. All of these women contribute to the diversity, depth and richness of Penola and the wider Limestone coast. Well done to the Terra Rossa CWA group in Penola for this captivating exhibition and to the very talented photographer Christy Radford.