Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to take this time to acknowledge Rise Coffs Harbour, an organisation in my electorate who are actively building a sense of support and community amongst youth through engagement in sport. A structured curriculum trains youth in technical football and team building skills, and teaches positive values, including trust, respect, discipline and patience. Run almost entirely from donations and by volunteers, training sessions operate five days a week and cater for up to 80 kids per day. They're picked up in buses from set points, taken to training and provided with breakfast, all before school. Everyone is welcome, and attendees include refugee children from Iraq and the Congo. I had the pleasure of being invited by the group's vice president, Christine Harris, secretary, Kristy Swain, and coach, Phil McMullen, to see the kids in action at an early-morning session a couple of weeks ago. I have to say: these kids would give the Matildas a run for their money! This program offers so much more than sports. It's about respect, how to engage with the community and learning life skills, and this amazing organisation has never been more important than it is now. I'd like to thank everyone involved, from the dedicated volunteers to the coaching staff and generous supporters. Your efforts are very much appreciated and thank you.

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