Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the House that the spirit of regional Queensland is alive and well. And there is no better place to witness an event of country hospitality than the Girl and Woman of the Year dance at Tamrookum Memorial Hall, which was on Saturday, 20 November. This has been an annual event for over 20 years. It was a hall full of warm country folk having a good old-time country dance run by the Rathdowney-Christmas Creek branch of the LNP. This dance is just one of a number in my electorate, all held in community halls which hark back to an era when they were the central social hub in their community. My wife and I had a great time and I discovered that I am a hopeless dancer—but apparently I dance with a fair bit of passion.

As is customary, last year’s junior winner, Kirsty Bishop, did a lap of honour with her mum, Doris. Kirsty is in a wheelchair and has spina bifida. She has just completed year 12 at Beaudesert State High School and looked wonderful at her high school formal last Thursday evening. Over the years, apart from dancing, she has belonged to Beaudesert Swimming Club, has played basketball in Beenleigh and has been in school choirs.

The 2010 Girl of the Year is Rebecca Holding, who was partnered by Albert Schwartz. The runner-up is Nikkita Ward, who was partnered by Allen Dennis. Woman of the Year 2010 is Jo Wright, who was partnered by Monty Brider and the runner-up was Doris Bishop, who was partnered by Bobby Manning. (Time expired)

See this speech in context