House debates

Monday, 12 February 2024

Statements by Members

Tumbatrek

1:42 pm

Photo of Michael McCormackMichael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | | Hansard source

On Saturday with the member for Eden-Monaro, I went on the Tumbatrek. Glen McGrath—not the cricketing 'ooh ahh' Glenn McGrath—is one of the organisers of this trek. There were plenty of people going, 'Ooh, ahh,' at the end of the trek, myself and no doubt the member for Eden-Monaro included. The Tumbatrek commemorates the legacy of Tim Fischer AC. He started this in the mid-1980s to promote tourism, the Tumbarumba shire and no doubt himself, knowing Tim! It is a great trek. We had more than a hundred walkers. Many of them were very young. In fact, they were the teenagers from the local high school, and they loved it. It was a good exercise regime for their Kokoda trek, which will take place from 12 April.

They've been inspired by Bruce Wright and Grant Harris. The Mayor of Snowy Valleys Council, Ian Chaffey, is an absolute workhorse for that shire. Not only did he drive the bus up to Paddys River Dam drop-off point; he also participated in the walk. Thank you all from Snowy Valleys Council. Thank you to Sophie Gairn and the many volunteers who made this possible. We again remember the legacy of Tim Fischer. May Tumbatrek long live on.