Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

) ( ): Last financial year, 266 people drowned in Australian waterways. About a quarter of these tragedies occurred at the beach. Today, I rise to reflect on the recent opening of the surf lifesaving season in Capricornia and to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers from both the Yeppoon and Sarina Surf Lifesaving Clubs. These volunteers play an important role in our communities by providing patrolled swim zones and help to prevent drownings on our beaches. The Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club can be traced back to 1918 when a few enthusiastic people met at Ross Creek for instructions on life saving techniques. In 1926, the first club was formerly set up called the Yeppoon First Aid and Life Saving Club, with the first clubhouse built in 1930.

It was around this time, 300 kilometres further north, that the Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club was established. Today, the Sarina Club has over 200 members—an impressive feat for such a small coastal community.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It being two o'clock I interrupt the member. In accordance with standing order 43 the time for members' statements has concluded. Before we move to questions without notice I understand that the Minister for Foreign Affairs has some ministerial arrangements to advise us of.