Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is with immense pride and excitement that I stand here today to congratulate the mighty Penrith Panthers on their remarkable achievement in winning their fourth consecutive NRL grand final. We're talking about the four-peat dream team here! Ivan Cleary led the team, captained by Issah Yeo, with Nathan Cleary, and they are the first team in six decades to achieve this. What an extraordinary feat for our team. What a special moment for our entire community.

The day started early, with around 3½ thousand fans and more than 1,000 vehicles meeting at Jamison Park for a car convoy travelling through the streets of Penrith. It was fantastic to see so many families decorate their cars, kids and even dogs in their finest Panthers gear to show their team our whole community's support. After the grand final win the party continued well into the early hours, as fans filled the Panthers Leagues Club and surrounding streets to celebrate. This victory is not just a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of the players, the coaches and staff of the Panthers but also a reflection of the spirit of the Penrith community. The significance of this victory goes beyond the scoreboard. It represents hard work, perseverance and the rewards that come from working together towards a shared goal.

The Panthers' journey to this grand final serves as a powerful lesson for young people in our community. It shows them that, with discipline, hard work and teamwork, dreams can be turned into reality. Our Panthers are role models for the next generation, and their success will undoubtedly inspire young people right across Penrith and beyond. It's not just about being a great athlete; it's about the values they exemplify as a team. When young people see the Panthers succeed, they see that anything is possible when you put in the effort. This impact is immeasurable.

I highlight the positive influence this victory has on promoting healthy, active lifestyles for kids in our community. Sport plays a crucial role in the development of young people, teaching them teamwork, leadership and responsibility. The Panthers' win will spark even greater enthusiasm for rugby league, encouraging more kids to get outside and stay active and engaged. Having a strong, successful local team inspires our kids to get involved and stay physically active, helping build healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Whether they dream of playing in the NRL one day or just running around with their friends, our children are learning that physical fitness and perseverance are key to both personal and community success.

As we celebrate the Panthers' victory, let's also celebrate the lasting impact this has on our community's future—motivating the next generation, participating in sport, contributing to our community. Once again, congratulations to the Penrith Panthers on this incredible achievement. You've made history. We couldn't be more proud. Here's to many more victories to come.