More than 200 people enjoyed a free sausage, coffee and a slice of cake last Friday 9 May to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the electorate office for Alexandra and Finniss.

Guest speakers included past local members the Hon. Dean Brown AO and Michael Pengilly, former Deputy Premier the Hon. Vickie Chapman, Leader of the Opposition Hon Vincent Tarzia MP and current Member for Finniss David Basham MP.

In all his regalia, Victor Harbor Town Crier, Mike Willett kicked off formalities with a cry for all to come to order and acknowledge the 50th year of the region’s electorate office, before handing proceedings over to Waitpinga farmer David Parsons, who also emceed the original office opening on the same date in 1975.

Mr Parsons said he was heartened to see how the role of the electorate office had grown over the last half century.

“There were high hopes for the introduction of regional electorate offices’ to be a great support to their communities and bring members closer to the everyday issues of their regions. There is no doubt this office has achieved that.”     

Current Finniss MP David Basham thanked everyone involved in the day including the community, special guests, Victor Harbor Rotary Club and the Brew Box. 

Mr Basham said he was proud to be part of an office that had served the region for such a long period of time.

“Fifty years ago, the office was founded with the simple mission of serving our community and to be a voice for those who need it most.

“Since its opening, the electorate office has assisted thousands of residents with issues ranging from aged care, transport, housing, education, hospitals and healthcare, funding grants for sporting clubs and community groups, and generally to help people navigate the complex world of government services and empowering individuals to improve their quality of life.

“This anniversary is a moment to reflect on how we have all grown together as an electorate and as a community, to be proud of the positive changes we have made together and to look ahead to greater achievements in the years to come.”

Vickie Chapman, who spoke on behalf of her father Ted Chapman, the first local member for the region, agreed the establishment of regional electorate offices’ had a huge impact of small communities.

“My father lobbied Premier Don Dunstan to give small regions a place where they could be heard and where their voices mattered. This office was the first to get up and running. It took in a much bigger area back then, and Dad and his office assistant Vivienne worked extremely hard to get to all corners of the electorate whenever they could.”

Past local member and former Premier Dean Brown remembered fondly how welcome he and his family felt during his tenure.

“It was a great honour to represent this unique part of South Australia. The hospitality, warmth and support shown to me and my family by the community was so appreciated.”   

Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said people contact an electorate office for many different reasons and, “A good electorate office must be around all the issues, no matter how large or small.”

“The Finniss electorate has a hardworking and dedicated local member who has several generations of the community in his blood. David understands our electorate and has excellent supporting staff.”

Cake cutting by Hon. Vickie Chapman, Michael Pengilly, Hon. Dean Brown AO, David Basham MP & Opposition Leader Hon. Vincent Tarzia MP