Trent Zimmerman (North Sydney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Local sporting clubs play such an important role in our communities in bringing people together, encouraging fitness and allowing their players to share their passion for sport. Today I want to acknowledge one of those clubs, the Hunters Hill Rugby Union Football Club, which is one of the oldest clubs in the Sydney suburban rugby competition and indeed Australia. The club has its spiritual home at Boronia Park in my electorate and has well over 600 players across its divisions. This year the club is marking its 125th birthday, a considerable milestone and achievement. Known as 'Hillies', the club involves male and female players aged from four to 60. Due to a fire in 1973, records of the early history of the club are patchy. However, The Sydney Morning Herald records that it played its first trial match on the Queen's Birthday long weekend in 1892, followed by its first competition game a few days later. Other than during the interruptions of the two world wars, the club has been an important part of our community through its 125-year history. The club's motto, 'Facta non verba'—'Deeds not words'—has been reflected in its incredible success in premierships over those years. The club is proud of its activities on and off the field with a very vibrant and active membership. I want to acknowledge the leadership of the club—its president, Luke McCormack; the president of its juniors, Adam Latham; and its seniors president, Gary Lane. On 15 July this year the club will mark its 125th birthday. I wish them a wonderful night of celebration and every success for many decades to come.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members’ statements has concluded.