Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge the King's Birthday awards and some absolutely spectacular people across the mighty Eden-Monaro. In our community, members have been recognised for their exceptional community service. In the Order of Australia general civil division, Dr Pauline Kerr AM, Brigadier Natasha Ludwick AM, Ms Suzanne Bolger OAM, Mrs Judith Caldwell OAM and Ms Catherine Ringstad OAM were all awarded. Meritorious awards went to Assistant Commissioner Douglas Boudry APM and Ms Leonie Holloway PSM. Military awards, including Order of Australia in the military division, went to Captain Sean Andrews CSC RAN, Captain Glen Miles CSC RAN, Brigadier Nicholas Wilson CSC, and Squadron Leader Rebecca Trembath CSM. We appreciate the work you do in our community in service of the broader Australian community. Thank you and congratulations.

I'm proud to say that 27 young local athletes have been successful in round 4 of the Local Sporting Championships grants. These grants will help Eden-Monaro's up-and-coming sporting legends to attend their respective championships. It includes 24 athletes going to national competitions and three athletes going to international competitions. Maddison Vallender is going to the Future Championship Nations Cup in Hagan, Germany for equestrian. Georgia Henness is attending the UCI World Cup for mountain biking, and Will Crawford is going to the UK in July for shooting.

It's wonderful to have our regional up-and-coming sports stars be supported to compete at such a high level. Living in the regions shouldn't mean that you have to miss out on these kinds of opportunities, and it's wonderful to have these grants available to help our young people out. I wish them all the best in their future competitions and their sporting careers. I look forward to seeing them in the Olympics soon, and I want to say a big thank you to their mums and dads for all you do to support them.

In May, we saw the centenary celebration of the Bega Soldiers Memorial Gates. It was a time to reflect on the sacrifices that our defence personnel have made as members of our communities and the lasting impact of their duty for not only our veterans but for their family and friends as well. The memorial is an important monument for the Bega community, many of whom have had personal connections to the names that are listed on it. As part of the celebration and the commemoration, conservation efforts were undertaken for the arch. A new mural was commissioned to honour service men and women near the memorial by artist Terri Tuckwell. We acknowledge and remember all ADF personnel for the sacrifices they have made in defending our country, and I encourage people to stop by and see for themselves when they visit the Bega Valley how tremendous the war memorial gates are looking now.

I'm really passionate about getting young people active and engaged in our democracy, and it's something that I'll always continue supporting. So, when young people like Sophie-Ella show initiative, I'm keen to help out wherever I can. I first met Sophie when she was in year 6 at Eden Public School. She contacted me about the state of the amenities at her school. Some years down the track now, Sophie-Ella is in year 10 at Lumen Christi College. She came to the Bega electorate office and to Parliament House to do some work experience, including going to question time, which I'm sure was quite an eye-opener for her. I wish Sophie-Ella all the best in her studies and encourage her to continue her interest in Australia's democracy.

The State and Territory Landcare Awards happened recently across the country, and a few Eden-Monaro locals cleaned up. Janet Heffernan, who has spent two decades as a volunteer with the Gunning District Landcare group but lives in Yass, was honoured with a 'highly commended' in the Women in Landcare Award. The Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups was a finalist for the work it does in the climate-ready revegetation project, which involves raising genetically diverse native plant species which are then sold to local landholders in the area. I also want to congratulate Mandi Stevenson on being honoured with a life membership. From starting out at her local landcare group in Bombala to being on the national landcare board, Mandi has been recognised for her leadership and over three decades of contributions. I congratulate all those who have been recognised in the awards and commend their work in helping regional areas from the ground up.

Finally, I want to say vale to Claire Lupton. Claire was honoured with life membership of the Labor Party back in 2022. She is a true believer, a staunch advocate and someone who's probably spent a small fortune on raffle tickets over her years. She has been a coordinator and a key contact in the Bega area. She has always stood up for Labor values, and I know friends and family right across the Bega Valley will deeply miss her connection. (Time expired)

Question agreed to.

Federation Chamber adjourned at 13:28

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