FIGURES across the political spectrum banded together this week to throw their support behind granting Generations in Jazz major event status, with a Liberal MP labelling the event “a South Australian icon”.
Adelaide Hills-based MP Josh Teague, who was one of four MPs speaking in support of the five-part motion, stressed the importance of designating the festival as a major event as well as encouraging prominent arts journalists to attend and report on the festivities.
“I lend my wholehearted support to its recognition increasingly across the state as the icon that we all know it is,” he said.
“Generations in Jazz attracts the greatest from each of the generations to Mount Gambier, South Australia, to one of the great events in music, so I wholeheartedly support the motion.”
Labor MP Jayne Stinson said Generations in Jazz had developed into a “mecca for national and international jazz artists” since its establishment in 1987.
The former journalist said she was pleased to attend and report on the event in previous years, commending the “great energy in the town” during the festival.
“Mount Gambier is on the map for many things and each year Generations in Jazz helps to raise this regional city’s profile and plant it on the map for arts and arts education,” she said.
“Over 5000 young people in bands are drawn to the annual event each year.
“They bring their families and friends and they boost the local economy.
“When those young people and their families leave, they take with them fond memories of Mount Gambier and the South East to share with others and to entice them to visit our state and our regions.”
Ms Stinson applauded the involvement of world-renowned jazz musician James Morrison AM in the event, which she described as pivotal to the growing success.
“He has brought a passion, an energy and a profile that is unrivalled,” she said.
“He has driven the festival forward and boosted it to the high-profile and major event it is today.”
Liberal MP Sam Duluk acknowledged the event was a “tremendous” opportunity for South Australian schoolchildren and visitors from across the nation to participate in performing.
“The emphasis that it places on the state and the role the James Morrison Academy down in the Mount brings and highlights to the state is a fantastic opportunity,” he said.
“I would love for this government and Minister Ridgway to ensure Generations remains a major event in South Australia.
“I commend the member for Mount Gambier for putting this on the notice paper and recognise it is more than just a great event – it is actually a great South Australian event.”
