Mr RICHARDSON (9:55 AM) —Today I rise to speak about an issue which is close to my heart—the tireless and ongoing work of emergency service personnel in a crisis. The day of Tuesday, 11 January will be a day forever etched in the minds of the residents of South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. It was on that day that South Australia suffered the worst and most devastating bushfire seen in the state since Ash Wednesday. Numerous lives were lost and thousands of hectares of land destroyed as the fire took very little time to ruin lives and livelihoods. One South Australian family battled to cope with the loss not only of their two children but of their grandmother as well.

The tragedy and devastation of this crisis is undeniable and its impact far-reaching. But I stand before you today not to dwell on that sadness and tragedy but to present to you the amazing story of hope and inspiration that emerged from the disaster. That is the story of the South Australian volunteers who risked their lives and gave their time to rush to the aid of their fellow South Australians.

This tragic day saw 15 other difficult fires burning across South Australia and across thousands of hectares of South Australian country. Fire service volunteers from every corner of the state were involved in firefighting and behind the scenes service. Individuals joined to work as one team—farmers, private farm units, personnel from all emergency agencies, the metropolitan fire service, government departments and members of the community—to battle the crisis. These extraordinary people came together and worked tirelessly for one common goal—to serve and save their community.

Very rarely from a tragedy such as this can any positives be drawn, especially when human life is lost in a struggle against the elements. But from this tragedy comes an inspirational story. It is a story of mateship, hope and selflessness. It is a story of unity, commitment and determination. It is the story of the South Australian volunteer. South Australian volunteers placed their lives on the line on 11 January 2005, and they did so not to protect their own livelihoods or loved ones but to protect the lives and property of friends, neighbours and in some cases strangers for the one simple reason that these people needed their help. That help has continued beyond the battle to put out the fire and it will continue long after the clean-up is finished.

Aid organisations and a whole new band of volunteers have gone into the area to help those left to rebuild their lives. South Australians have again dug deep and donated anything they can spare to help in the rebuilding process. I stand before you today as a very proud South Australian, reflecting and acknowledging the people around us in times of tragedy. (Time expired)

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. I.R. Causley)—Order! In accordance with standing order 193 the time for members' statements has concluded.