Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

The world of elite sport is something many in the regions rarely get to see up close but is one that can serve as such an inspiration for our kids, regardless of where they grow up. That's why it was such a thrill to have had the Australian national rowing team in Rockhampton to perform their final training camp on home soil before their assault on the world championships in Bulgaria. Taking to the water on the mighty Fitzroy River, motivated by stunning weather and tales of the five-metre crocodile that lurks in that stretch of the river and is always ready to help dislodge a water scooter or rower, both the men's and women's teams trained hard and mixed with the locals. These young athletes were so generous with their time, spending much of their time in Rocky with schoolkids, coaching other young rowers and even stopping for a chat with yours truly. I am sure that the motivation of our local water lizards will prove rather valuable, and while Bulgaria is a long way from home I'm sure they'll do every one of us proud at the world championships.

Rowing provides such great life lessons. It teaches our kids the traits of diligence, discipline and, perhaps most importantly, teamwork, all of which are skills perfect for setting up someone for a life of success. I wish our men and women rowers all the absolute best in the coming world championships. We will all be cheering from home.

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