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

I'd like to congratulate all the winners from the recent Clarence Valley Sports Awards. The Daily Examiner hosted this year's awards, with the late Max Godbee being honoured with his addition to the Clarence Valley Sporting Wall of Fame. His fellow lifesaver Jim Dougherty was also an addition to the prestigious wall. Congratulations to the other athletes who won awards, including the sports person of the year Celia Sullohern, the junior male sports person of the year Keaton Stutt and the junior female sports person of the year Kalani Ives. The sports masters award went to Laurelea Moss, the people's choice award to Georgia Breward and the coach of the year award to Scott Smith. The team of the year was the Grafton Ghosts 1st Grade, who were undefeated in 2017, and they are captain-coached by Danny Wicks. The club of the year was the Lower Clarence Rowing Club. The Ernie Muller Award went to Rob Sutherland, the Max Godbee Award went to Cheryl Kinnane and contributor of the year went to Brad Ellis. The contributing photographer of the year was Gary Nichols. The nominator/nominee awards went to Tracey Moran and Anastasia Blanch, and Taya Wear and Stacey Brown. Congratulations to all this year's winners.

Three surfers from Emerald Beach recently travelled to Taiwan to compete in the Taiwan Open World Longboard Championships. Harley Ingleby, Jared Neal and Jack Entwistle all travelled to Jinzun Harbour in Taiwan to compete in the championship, which was the last longboard event for 2017. Jared and Jack ended up drawing each other in round 2, and Harley was able to make it through to the semifinal, eventually being defeated by the event champion. With the championships now behind them, Jack and Jared share 22nd place on the world rankings, with Harley finishing the year in fifth place. I congratulate all three for competing on the world stage and wish them every success next year.

I'd like to congratulate the Clunes Auto Centre, which recently celebrated its 70th birthday. It has been operated by the one family. The business was originally owned by Col and Val Johnston and is now owned and operated their son Garry and his wife, Trish. For many years, the Johnston family has provided motoring and mechanical services to the surrounding areas of Clunes. Garry, at 21, began his apprenticeship as a partner in the family business and expanded it to become a used car dealership. They are very much into vintage cars and have done a lot of work in that area, and they have been great community representatives. My in-laws have lived in Clunes for almost that whole time, and they have always respected the Johnston family. I wish them well.