Geoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in the chamber to recognise and congratulate two outstanding athletes in my electorate of Bass: one who is a world champion and one who will be a world champion. These individuals have both reached the pinnacle of their chosen sport. Launceston-born boxer Daniel Geale's victory on Saturday, 1 September in Germany was an historic one. In defeating WBA middleweight titleholder Felix Sturm, Daniel has become the first Australian boxer in history to hold two globally recognised major titles in the same division. The WBA middleweight title adds to the IBF middleweight title which Daniel currently holds. He won the IBF title last year in Germany against another German, Sebastian Sylvester. It is believed that Daniel is the first boxer to twice take titles from German boxers on their home soil.

This latest achievement adds to an already impressive career for Daniel which includes a Commonwealth Games gold medal, being a former holder of the IBO middleweight title and an impressive 28-to-one professional record. An unassuming, humble man outside the ring, Daniel is a credit to himself and the upbringing he received from his family in Tasmania. We are all very proud of his achievements and in the way he handles himself. Congratulations to Daniel on his well-deserved, historic achievements. You are a great role model not only for upcoming boxers but for athletes generally.

The second person I congratulate is Rebecca Quail on her induction into the legend status at the Invermay Bowls & Community Club. I was privileged to be present for Rebecca's induction. Rebecca began her bowling career in 1998 aged 10 years. She is now in her 14th season, having won numerous awards in those 14 years. I would be here a long time if I wanted to list Rebecca's achievements so I will just mention a few. In 2005 she made her debut for Tasmania in the seniors, becoming the inaugural Tasmanian women's Bowler of the Year. It was about this time that Sophie Fletcher, Margaret Pearce and Molly Howell took her under their wings and began mentoring Rebecca. Rebecca went on to create ladies bowls history in 2005 when she became the first female lawn bowler to be granted a scholarship with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport. Rebecca is the Australian Champion of Champions singles titleholder.

Continuing with her impressive form, in 2011, Rebecca became the first Tasmanian women's bowler to ever attain national No. 1 ranking. She then travelled to South Africa for a test series. This was a test to see if Rebecca had what it takes to compete on the international level. Rebecca was also on the Australian team for the Asia-Pacific Championships. The team went on to be undefeated at the competition and won the gold medal. This event is a very high-ranking event, the third highest event on the bowls calendar, only behind the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.

Rebecca's impressive form has continued and in April this year she was selected to travel to Adelaide for the Six Nations International. Again, Australia took away the gold medal. As you can see, Rebecca has an extremely impressive record and is truly deserving of this fantastic and prestigious accolade. What makes it even more impressive is that she is the first female legend for the club. Rebecca has acknowledged her coach, Mr George Atkins, for his contribution to her success. Congratulations to both Daniel and Rebecca. They are both from Launceston, are both humble and outstanding champions, and I wish them all the best for their continued success in their sporting endeavours.

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