Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to acknowledge Karen McDermott, who has just retired after 35 years of service to the Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre in Casino. Karen started at Jumbunna as an assistant in 1989, and, while working full time, she studied for her degree and Master of Education. Jumbunna is an inspirational and much-loved organisation in my community. It is much more than just a preschool; it has an NDIS program, a playgroup and parental education programs. It provides early intervention for around 130 children each year, including children with disabilities and delays in development.

Karen was instrumental in securing funding for the new Jumbunna hub. This is an extension of the preschool that offers early childhood support, support into adulthood, health alliance and psychology and counselling. I ran into Karen just two weeks ago, and she told me how much she loved her job, especially how moving it is to run into former students who are now grown adults and contributing to our community. Karen, thank you for everything you've done for our community and for the many children and the many families that you have made an impact on. I know you've left a lasting impact and influence on these children and their families. Thank you very much.

This weekend is an exciting weekend in Lismore. There's going to be a Legends of Cricket Twenty20 match at Oakes Oval. I encourage everyone to get along. Lismore mayor Steve Krieg will captain the Mayor's XI and is going to take on Lismore's own Adam Gilchrist's XI. It's the second time the match has been held. It's planned around this time of the year because we're coming up to the three-year anniversary of the natural disaster that we had, and it's nice to have feel-good events around this time.

Fans can look forward to seeing cricketing stars Steve O'Keefe, Michael Kasprowicz, Jason Gillespie, Dan Christian, Nathan Hauritz, Andy Bichel, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Claire Moore, Ebony Hoskin and Georgia Redmayne in action. Powderfinger's Bernard Fanning and Grinspoon's guitarist Pat Davern will also be putting on their whites. Excitingly, local young cricketers Cooper Williams and Joe Parsons will also be playing alongside these legends. Cooper's just 14 years old and is already playing first-grade cricket locally, hitting his first century just on the weekend. Joe Parsons is also making strides for Marist Brothers. Just last year, he had a remarkable innings, making 105 not out off 115 balls, which included 11 fours and two sixes. Thank you to all the players who are coming along to showcase their skills at Oakes Oval. It is sure to be a great event, and, as I say, it's especially important that this is happening as we come up to the three-year anniversary. I encourage everyone to get along to Oakes Oval this weekend.

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