The announcement by Holden last Friday that the last car will roll off the Elizabeth plant production line on October 20, is a sad moment for the whole northern community according to Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said that as a “Holden family” he was personally aware of the important role the plant has played in the lives of many families, including many 1950’s and 60’s migrants.

“My family arrived in South Australia on 13th March 1963, and the very next day my late father, Raffaele, started work at Holden, and did so, for over 20 years until he retired through poor health,” said Mr Piccolo.

“Holden provided many opportunities, and it is not unusual to find three generations of a family working at Holden.”

“I still recall the Christmas picnics I attended at Holden as a child.”

“Our first family car was a Holden HR ute and every car I have owned has always been a Holden.”“If my dad were still alive, he would have been heartbroken by the news, as Holden gave our family a fresh start in our new home, Australia.”

Mr Piccolo said the South Australian Government will continue its support for workers, suppliers and northern Adelaide, by providing millions of dollars in support to help workers move into new employment.Mr Piccolo said automotive workers shouldn’t have to lose their jobs.

“When given the option to support the domestic car manufacturing industry, the Federal Liberals shamefully drove Holden out of town,” said Mr Piccolo.

The State Government’s $24.7 million Northern Economic Plan, released last year, is a blueprint for a prosperous northern Adelaide, focused on creating jobs and empowering local communities.

Mr Piccolo said new local economic growth programs will be launched later this month for the Gawler and Hewett areas under the auspices of the Stretton Centre, the Gawler Business Development Group and Business SA.

Details of programs to support workers and companies are available at http://www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/industry/automotive and details of the Northern Economic Plan are available at http://looknorth.com.au/