Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Galston500, run by the Hornsby Model Engineers Co-op. It was a wonderful community occasion. The Galston500 supports multiple sclerosis research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. MS is a chronic neurological disease that affects around 33,000 Australians.

Since 2018, the Galston 500 has raised over $45,000 for MS research, with $13,000 raised this year. The Galston 500 comprises 23 teams who run miniature trains over a combined 500 laps of the beautiful one-kilometre-long Galston Valley Railway. Like so many events in our community, it relies on the time, effort and generosity of volunteers. I particularly want to acknowledge Allie Thackray, the club Treasurer, who founded the Galston 500 with her husband, Evan. Allie herself suffers from MS, and she and Evan got married at the railway. I also want to acknowledge Jenn Barnett-Bairstow, the club vice-chairman, who helped organise the event, and club chairman Robin Levin.

This year's event was also a double celebration. Hornsby Model Engineers is celebrating its own 50th anniversary. The popularity of the organisation and the longevity of the event are a testament to the commitment and passion of its members. The oldest member of the club is Fred Morris, who turns 101 later this year. He's been a member for 30 years and was out riding a train just last month. Congratulations to the Galston 500 and everyone involved at the Hornsby Model Engineers.

See this speech in context