Eric Hutchinson (Lyons, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There were two wonderful events that I attended on the weekend. On Friday afternoon, an event that went over the weekend was the Sassafras Heritage Farming Weekend of the Historical Machinery Club, a festival on the red soil in one of the most beautiful parts of our north-west Tasmania. I would like to thank David and Gloria Perry, and Tony and Tanya Perry, for making me feel so welcome this first time I had been to that event. There was heritage equipment from all around the state, and to all those exhibitors who had military and farming equipment and bullocks, it was a wonderful celebration of who we are and where we have come from.

On the Saturday morning, I attended—again, for the first time—the Koonya Garlic Festival. This is something I would encourage anybody who is visiting my state to take advantage of at this time of the year. James Parker, Carey Badcoe, the vice-president, and the committee are to be congratulated. This is truly a wonderful event that will grow and grow. I am told reliably by the Tasman Council, one of the sponsors—other sponsors are Bendigo Bank and NRM South—that they had over 2,000 people attend. I had the pleasure of meeting our own Tino Carnevale, from Gardening Australia, but also Angus Stewart, who came down from your state, Deputy Speaker, to judge the championship garlic. (Time expired)