Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to celebrate a world champion from Indi. Tuppence Forge—or Tup, as she likes to be known—has bucked her way into the history books, winning the women's World Championship Ranch Bronc Riding title in Wyoming in the USA. Eight seconds must feel like an eternity when you're atop a bucking bronco, but Tup did this twice to secure her win. Some of you may have heard of 28-year-old Tup, who hails from the small town of Oxley in my electorate. Tup stormed onto the world stage with an impressive win at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo world championships in Wyoming in May. This historic win is even more impressive when you learn that Tup, as the first international competitor to win the women's title, only took up bronc riding 18 months ago. When she was declared the winner at the world finals, the announcer said, 'The lamb down under is going all the way to the top.' Those who know her well talk about Tup's infectious perseverance and talk about her passion, something she hopes will inspire the next generation of women to take up bronc riding. Just like Tup's parents, Anne Maree and Graham Forge, we're all so proud of you, Tup. Congratulations from Indi.

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