Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Maclean Show was held last week, and what better person to officially open the show than Joyce Watson. Joyce is 93 years old and has been involved in the show for most of her life. At an early age, she competed in the equestrian events, later becoming a judge and competitor in the pavilion. She is also the show's longest serving secretary, from between 1971 and 1997. Joyce still enters exhibits in the pavilion and this year she beat her daughter to claim the crown of crochet champion. Her family's involvement also includes her twin daughters, Narelle Phelps and Cheryl Watson, granddaughters Tina Ross, Tracey Moran and Leanda Phelps and great-grandchildren Shannon, Jarrad and Abi Moran, all continuing the wonderful family tradition.

I would also like to congratulate the winner and entrants of the Miss Showgirl competition. The entrants of the Senior Miss Showgirl were Colbie Cameron and Taneal McConnell, along with the winner, Nicole Cowling. The winner of Miss Junior Showgirl was Georgia Everson and the runner up was Kylie Vickery

I also thank the show's executive: President Brian Ferrie, who was this year made a life member—congratulations, Brian; Jackie Sykes; John Robson; and Rob Sutherland. I also thank the other committee members: Leigh-Ann Messer; Colin Marsh; Bruce Green; Jacelyn Bebb; Brian Farrell, who was also made a life member—congratulations, Brian; Warren Apps; Tracey Moran; showgirl coordinator Tina Ross; Narelle Green and Mel Robertson. Well done, and congratulations on another wonderful show.

The Far North Coast Baseball Association is celebrating its 80th birthday. The association has had great success over the last 80 years, with 39 players representing Australia. I congratulate the current executive Paul Latta, Melinda Clark, Robyn Youngberry, Andrew Carroll, Darren McMahon, Greg Healy, Brad Donald and Natasha Tardew, who are doing a great job of making the sport even more popular on the Far North Coast. But they have had lots of help as well, from people like David McLelland, who has given 15 years of service to the association; Gwen Robb, with 25 years as a scorer; Geoff Baxter, with 40 years of service; and Rick Healy, with 50 years of service. There is also the persistence of people like Bill O'Sullivan, John McKee and Terry Moulder, who have helped the club to fund a clubhouse. I know there are countless others in the community who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the club so successful, and I thank each and every one of them. I am looking forward, with my state colleague Thomas George, to soon announcing a significant upgrade of the Albert Park complex to develop it into a world-class baseball facility.