Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to congratulate the St Giles community organisation on the inaugural Launceston Balfour Burn which was held on Sunday, 16 March. The Balfour Burn is a run, walk, cycle, or stagger up Balfour Street, reputedly Launceston's steepest street, with a 320 metre incline. This unique family-friendly event attracted 824 people and 64 dogs. Most importantly, it raised over $15,000 to help continue the work of St Giles. St Giles is a community organisation that was founded in 1937 amidst a terrible polio epidemic in Tasmania. It continues to provide services to children who have special needs and their families.

I acknowledge especially the work of St Giles's fundraising manager, Danielle Blewett, for her creativity in coming up with the idea, and the race director, Rick Fontyn, and his small but dedicated committee of Craig Boon, Jess Sattler, Madeline Gordon, Sam Ralph and Brett Smith. I also thank the 100-plus volunteers who supported the event, the Launceston City Council and the Tasmanian police. Furthermore I acknowledge the event sponsors. The major sponsor was the Launceston Eye Institute, and other sponsors were Harrison Humphreys, Motors, McDonalds, Launceston Sport and Surf, Elaia Cafe, Tasmanian Alkaloids, Aromas Cafe, Sporties Hotel and Landfall Farm Fresh. I am delighted to say that the Balfour Burn looks like becoming an annual fundraising event for St Giles.

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