Nola Marino (Forrest, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to celebrate the 14-year career of Kookaburras captain Aran Zalewski, who has announced his retirement from international hockey. Aran grew up in Margaret River and developed his love of hockey playing with the Margaret River Hockey Club in the South West League. He debuted for the Kookaburras as a 19-year-old in a clash against India in Bunbury, very quickly cementing himself as a very competitive centre half and midfielder. Aran leaves the national team as one of their most decorated players of the modern era, winning three Commonwealth Games gold medals, one World Cup and the Champions Trophy twice. At Olympic level, he has represented Australia three times, winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Outside of hockey, Aran is a fierce advocate for the south-west in sports and ensures that regional athletes have access to sporting opportunities and facilities. He became a dad last year, so I'm sure he'll be looking forward to extra time with his family. But he's not stepping away from hockey altogether. He'll be representing the Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League starting in December. But I wanted to congratulate Aran on a stellar career for the Kookaburras and for proving once again that in Australia you are not limited by your postcode.

Congratulations also to Harvey local Joe Comito, who has earned the title of Australia's top darts player, dominating the Australian Pro Tour. He will also represent Australia at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship in December in London. Best of luck to Joe.

Also congratulations to Sophia Tomas, who recently won a karate gold medal at the World Shoto Cup in London. She is from Harvey. Over 350 competitors from 18 countries took part in the competition, and Sophia took home gold in the over-18s division. Again, you are not limited by your postcode in this country.

Finally—and this is a different one—what a top job Cruiser did, the six-year-old hardworking sheep-wrangling kelpie from Yalyalup in my electorate. Cruiser was WA's finalist in the 2024 Cobber Challenge and finished seventh overall. Cruiser shares a very special bond with his owner and trainer, as you would expect, and he works very, very hard. His owner and trainer is James Carr, and he had to run a total of 125.3 kilometres with speeds of up to 7.42 kilometres an hour. This competition recognises the value and importance of working dogs in our regional and rural areas and farms. Congratulations to my wonderful achievers, and, again, as I say in Australia, 'Look what you can do.'