Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sport inspires future leaders by instilling an appreciation of commitment, teamwork, and reward for effort. In proud news for Goldstein, the Fairbairn Cup has returned to the community after Brighton Grammar won the 153rd APS Head of the River Regatta in March. The Head of the River is the most prestigious rowing event on the calendar, and to win the event is an extraordinary achievement. It is 38 years since Brighton's last victory. Captain of boats and stroke of the first VIII Sam Wyss, his crew Hamish Roberts, James Capp, Ethan Calcatjicos, Dougal Bland, Jack Puise, Zach Bowen and Lucas Connell, and coxswain Malachai Bakker rowed their way into first place, edging out St Kevin's and Scotch College. The great victory would not have been possible without a strong network of support—including first VIII coach Oliver Dutton, director of rowing Dick Bartlett and the great Ross Featherston, the headmaster, who I saw on the weekend at the Melbourne versus Brighton game—as well as their parents friends and classmates, who were all participants and cheered them on. Congratulations to the crew and to the whole Brighton Grammar School community. Sport is something that should bring us together. It doesn't matter what achievement you secure, you make us proud, particularly when you compete and succeed in an incredible sporting competition. Congratulations to everyone involved.