Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Queensland was affected by the fires, too.

It gives me great pleasure to rise this afternoon to pay tribute to the mighty Cairns Taipans, who are one win away from making the NBL's grand final. What a difference a year makes, after the Taipans picked up the wooden spoon last year. With 16 regular-season wins and finishing third on the table, the Taipans will head to Western Australia to take on the Perth Wildcats for a spot in the decider. Our Taipans have had a marvellous season under NBL Coach of the Year Mike Kelly and superstars DJ Newbill, Scott Machado and rookie Kouat Noi. In fact, DJ Newbill was named the best defensive player in the recent NBL awards in Melbourne, and Scott Machado picked up the fans' award for MVP. At the club's gala awards ceremony recently, Scott Machado was named the Taipans' Most Valuable Player—rightfully so. Other award recipients on the night included Cameron Oliver, the members' choice MVP. Jarrod Kenny won the players' player award. DJ Newbill picked up another gong for his defensive prowess and Kouat Noi received the commitment to continue award. The coaches award went to Fabijan Krslovic. The Taipans are firing on all cylinders at the moment, and the whole city is behind them for game three on Wednesday evening. If the Taipans are fortunate enough to make the big dance, it will be a massive and very timely boost for our community