The last Holden car rolling off the Elizabeth plant production line this Friday Marks the end of an era and is a sad moment for the whole northern community, according to Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said that as part of the “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 that he has spoken with a number of current and former Holden workers who were all saddened by the news of the closure of the plant but surprisingly were not despondent about their future or that of the community.

“ All the employees I have spoken with have said that both the State Government and Holden have done their best to support workers into moving into their next stages of their lives, whether that involves new jobs, retraining or retirement,” said Mr Piccolo.

“Some workers have already found new jobs, and are philosophical about the future.”

“The long lead time has helped workers to plan for their future.”

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 a new local economic growth program was launched earlier in the year 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/