Commemoration of Don Dunstan’s 100th Birthday one step closer

At the 1st September council meeting my motion calling for a report on how Council can commemorate the 100th birthday of Don Dunstan in 2026 was passed unanimously. The motion included some excellent ideas from community members, and outstanding deputations in support of the motion were given by Don Dunstan’s treasured partner Steven Cheng, Elizabeth Ho OAM and Steven’s husband Graham Clarke. Here is a bit of what Elizabeth Ho had to say in her excellent deputation to Council:

“Don Dunstan should be remembered because he was one of Australia’s most reformist and visionary political leaders, especially as Premier of South Australia (1967–68, 1970–79). His legacy is significant and has been recognised both locally and nationally. But it all began here in Norwood. And he never left Norwood. 

“He should be remembered because he embodied the idea that politics can be about more than administration—it can shape the cultural, social, and moral life of a society. He left a legacy of fairness, diversity, creativity, and inclusivity that continues to define South Australia today. We remember Don Dunstan here in Norwood because this was his home — not only as a resident, but as our local Member of Parliament for nearly three decades.

“He walked our streets, listened to our voices, and carried the spirit of this community into the State Parliament. He even ran a restaurant here during his retirement and contributed to our reputation for great food which is carried still by Norwood with its annual food and wine festival. 

“From Norwood, he championed fairness, multiculturalism, and the arts, giving  South Australia a reputation as a go ahead progressive society. Norwood in his time was a place where the idea of the value of a multicultural society could be developed and portrayed and Dunstan did that. He engaged especially with the local Italian community. 

“He believed in celebrating diversity, in building community, and in making politics serve people’s lives. In remembering Don Dunstan in Norwood, we honour a leader who never forgot where he came from — and whose legacy still lives in the character of this place today.”