John Cobb (Calare, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to talk about Orange farmer Wayne Petrie. Wayne is both an Orange farmer and a member of the Square Meaters Cattle Association. Last week at the Royal Canberra Show Mr Petrie donated a 483-kilogram yearling Square Meater steer of magnificent proportions who goes by the name of Max. All proceeds from the sale were to be donated to the Melanoma Institute of Australia. It was hoped that the steer would attract a maximum price of $5,000—around $10 a kilogram.

Last week Senator Fiona Nash and I met with Wayne—and with Max, who was looking in great trim—on the lawns of Parliament House. With the media there, and with the House in the background, Max will certainly be there for everyone to see for the rest of his life. He was looking in fine form. It was great to hear that Max sold for more than expected and went for over $6,000. We are lucky to have people in Calare like Wayne who are generous, community-minded people. Let this act of generosity remind those of us who are farmers about the risk of melanoma. Farmers consider themselves tough people of the land, but melanoma does not discriminate. It is great to see Australian farmers developing their own cattle breeds, and on behalf of us all I wish Wayne and his team the best for a successful auction and congratulate them.