Gordon Reid (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to acknowledge Terrigal Rugby Club and its modified training program, which provides younger players living with physical and mental disabilities with training opportunities that are tailored to their capabilities. The concept behind the club's modified training program started in 2019 during COVID-19, which initially inhibited the development of the program. After COVID-19, the program exploded with popularity and continues to grow with new participants. In 2024, the program is aiming to provide up to six training sessions for its participants, supported by the club's senior rugby union players who are involved with helping modify the training sessions and assisting with the development of the participants' skills and knowledge of rugby union.

Allison Farrelly, secretary of Terrigal Rugby Club, has been pivotal in developing the club's modified training program. Allison coordinates and ensures the viability of the program, communicating with the families of participants and helping to grow the concept further. For Allison and all those involved in the program, it is so important that opportunities to play sport—in particular, rugby union—are provided to everyone in our community. I wish to thank Allison for her incredible dedication to strengthening the fabric of our community through sport, as well as Terrigal Rugby Club President Tim Larke for his leadership and support of the program. Lastly, to Terrigal Rugby Club committee members, who have shown phenomenal support for the program, and to the senior players who show up and help facilitate the sessions, you are all champions.

See this speech in context