Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In July 2023, a student of Thomas Hassall Anglican College, Vansh Maini, represented Australia at the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships, held in Orlando, Florida. I had the pleasure of meeting Vansh and his mum, Drishti, before the tournament and presenting him with an Australian flag. He was the first-ever Australian black belt to perform at the closing Night of Victory. Returning this year, Vansh performed extremely well again. He finished the tournament with four championship wins and two bronze medals. He also won the Night of Victory Championship, making him the first Australian to win the event. I'd like to thank Drishti, Vansh's mum, for keeping me up to date with all of his achievements. Vansh represented not only himself but our community so well and has made us all proud. To see him pictured with his trophies and medals, holding up the Australian flag that I presented him a little over a year ago, was inspirational. His successes are amazing, given he is 13 years old, and I'm eager to see his continued success throughout his life and what his future holds. Best wishes in the next competition.

Celebrations for birthdays that end in zero are very important, and thankfully our community had a 60th birthday to celebrate last month. Established in July 1964, Quota Liverpool have been raising money to support those in need in our community since then. Over the last 60 years, the club has had over 167 members, and it boasts over a thousand combined years of membership. It was a privilege to speak at the event and, in a small way, acknowledge the dedication and work of Quota Liverpool. Acknowledgement and special thanks have to go to all of the families and friends who support the Quota ladies, helping with barbecues and filling tables for fundraising events.

Over the years, the club has supported children with speech therapy when their families couldn't afford the cost, made breakfast at school breakfast clubs and donated to the Shepherd Centre, women's refuges, Miracle Babies, the Cancer Council and melanoma research. The list is too long to complete here. On the day, the club had prepared 30 scrolls, which were read by attendees, each listing achievements, events and support over the last 60 years.

Thank you to president Julie Percival and all the organisers, especially June Young, a stalwart member of our community. No function is complete without a birthday cake, and the cake was cut by the longest-serving members, Judy Blackburn and Lorraine Perry. Please consider joining Quota Liverpool if you are able. I know they'd love some extra helping hands, and the difference that they make in our community so often is really important. If you've got some time, get in contact with    Quota Liverpool. You can do that by ringing our office, and I'll make sure that your details go through.