Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to start by wishing our very own superhero, the 2014 Pride of Australia Child of Courage award winner, Calyn Hoad, a very happy 9th birthday. It has been almost 17 months since Calyn spared his brother's life and altered his own, when he pushed his little brother Kya out of the way of an approaching four-wheel drive only to be hit himself and consequently suffering significant brain damage. The latest update is that Calyn is doing wonderfully. In just the last few weeks he has made some huge breakthroughs with his speech. He is trying really hard to talk and is getting closer and closer every day. He is also experiencing significant improvement with his walking and mobility. Calyn's family have planned a family fun day for the local community in Beenleigh to celebrate his birthday, and they are hoping it will be the biggest superhero birthday party possible. It is great to see the local community coming together to make this a reality for Calyn and his family. It is a fine example of the kind of people in our community.

I would also like to recognise the efforts of a young skater determined to help guide Australia to an unprecedented Junior World Synchronised Skating Championship crown. Local skater Dana Prokic is part of the Acacia Ridge Iceskateers Elite team, which was chosen to represent Australia at the world championships in March in Croatia. Dana's team has successfully won five national titles to date. It is a huge honour to be able to represent Australia and I wish her and her team mates every success. (Time expired)