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Enfield Community Food Centre

Speech to Parliament

I rise today to speak on a fantastic organisation in my electorate, the Enfield Community Food Centre, which I had the pleasure of visiting twice earlier this year. The centre sells food and household products at more affordable prices than the average supermarket and is relied on by many people who find it hard to make ends meet.

From the humble beginnings of a household refrigerator and a kitchen table, the centre has grown into a low-cost supermarket serving between 500 and 700 families each year. It was established in 1990 by a group of residents from Blair Athol and other inner northern suburbs who were concerned about poverty in the local area. The food centre is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers. There are about 60 volunteers who contribute around 400 hours per week. They are drawn from churches and the local community and are the backbone of the operation. Chatting with them is always inspiring. They give of themselves so selflessly, and they are always helpful and cheerful.

Recently, the centre's future was in doubt after its rent was substantially increased. I was contacted by the centre manager, Neville Mibus, for assistance. After visiting the centre I wrote to the federal Minister for Family and Community Services and to the South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, requesting assistance for the centre. On 3 June 2005 the South Australian state government announced a $68,000 package, including a $63,000 financial injection by the state government, to help ensure the centre's future. The rescue package will not only give the Enfield Community Food Centre financial assistance but also help in business and financial planning and marketing to ensure its long term future.

Strong representations on the food centre's behalf had also been made to government by the state member for Enfield, John Rau MP, and Port Adelaide Enfield councillor Joanna McLuskey. I was really pleased to attend a morning tea at the centre earlier this month where the South Australian Minister for Families and Communities, the Hon. Jay Weatherill, presented the assistance package to the management committee and volunteers of the centre.

So often people in this House speak of community. However, it is always inspiring to see what it means in a concrete sense. Fifteen years ago residents in the north of my electorate had a vision to make a real difference in their local community. They could see a problem and did something about it. The results speak for themselves. Today, the Enfield Community Food Centre provides low-cost groceries to those most in need: over 500 disadvantaged families and low-income earners whose lives are made easier through the generosity of spirit in their local community.

The Enfield Community Food Centre will be celebrating its 15th anniversary at a dinner on 1 July which I will be attending. I would like to take this opportunity to commend each and every member of the team for the valuable contribution that they make each and every day. Fifteen years of service to the community is certainly a wonderful achievement that should be congratulated.

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