Andrew Gee (Calare, National Party, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to draw the House's attention to the wonderful achievements of our young sporting champions in Calare. These high achievers put in an extraordinary amount of hard work and, with their supportive families, travel vast distances to compete at elite levels. They are role models, and we're very proud of them. I was fortunate enough to meet with some of them recently over an afternoon tea and a cuppa to present some certificates. Today, I would like to acknowledge all of them, including Sam Flannery.

Sam competed in the Australian junior nationals for tenpin bowling. He won gold as part of the New South Wales President's Shield team and achieved bronze as a member of the combined boys and girls team. He's also a member of the New South Wales Tenpin Bowling Association. Well done, Sam.

Micaylah Downey also participated in the Australian junior nationals for tenpin bowling. She placed third overall and was named an all-star among just five other competitors nationally. Micaylah also represents the New South Wales Tenpin Bowling Association through Orange Tenpin Bowl. She's a fine bowler and she's done wonderful things in that sporting endeavour.

Michael and Mark Selmes were also present in my office for our afternoon tea and presentation. They travelled recently to Africa to compete in the World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation's fourth world championship international. Michael won three silver medals, and both boys are already hoping to go again next year. Well done, Michael and Mark. You are also great achievers.

I also need to mention some other great young achievers and athletes in our area. Cody Kelso and Thomas Richardson competed in the Sydney International Rowing Regatta. They achieved a bronze medal in the under-19s coxless squad and represented the Kinross Wolaroi School rowing club in Orange. Sofia Dihel competed in the Sydney International Rowing Regatta. She achieved second place in the schoolgirls 4B final and also represented Kinross. Ethan Crisp participated in a total of seven events at the Hancock Prospecting Australian Age Swimming Championships. He came 12th in two events for his age group. Ky Hurst also participated in the International Friendship Series softball international competition. He's a member of the Bletchington Softball Club in Orange.

Cambell Williams competed in the FIM world junior motocross championship, in Moscow. He qualified 18th in the first race—and placed 19th out of 40 competitors—and 24th out of 40 riders in the second race. He represented Motorcycling Australia. Kaden Williams competed in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges team at the Australian Rugby League under 15 championship, nationals. Kaden's team achieved first place in the competition. He was also selected in the under 15 Australian schoolboys merit team.

I would like to add my personal congratulations to all of those sporting high achievers but also to their supporting families, who move heaven and earth to get these young athletes to competitions and help them achieve the wonderful things they do.

Kevin Andrews (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' constituency statements has concluded.