Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I want to take this opportunity today to congratulate some incredible sporting groups in my electorate of Wentworth. Firstly, the Easts Rugby Club's Beasties capped off their 125th year with four teams in the grand finals last weekend—and congratulations in particular to the third- and fourth-grade teams who came away with a win. While I'm gutted to see that the first-grade team lost to the member for McKellar's Warringah Rugby Club and that the Colts team lost to Randwick, I know how proud the community is of all the players. These losses take nothing away from the incredible year the Easts have had.

I also want to congratulate Emerald City Kickball for their nomination for the Caption by Hyatt Connecting Communities Award from Awards Australia. Founded in Wentworth in 2020, Emerald City Kickball has since expanded to Perth and Melbourne, with Brisbane and New Zealand on the way. They have created more than a sports league; they have created a broad and inclusive environment and a vibrant community of LGBTQIA+ Australians who, through kickball, can connect, lead and thrive. Their impact extends beyond the field—supporting mental health initiatives, standing up for equality and partnering with festivals and research institutions. I am proud to have thrown the first pitch on their tournament day—it was quite an education for me—and to work alongside them in championing inclusivity. I wish them the best of luck with the awards and look forward to celebrating their fifth anniversary soon.

Finally, I'd like to acknowledge another wonderful organisation, Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Union Football Club. I recently met representatives to hear about their clubhouse upgrade plans, and I'm very glad to add my voice of support to this and their future endeavours. I want to congratulate them on their inaugural women's team and their longstanding support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Colleagues club helped pave the way by creating Australia's first gay and inclusive rugby team, the Sydney Convicts, in 2004. Today, the Convicts are the most successful club to have competed in the Bingham Cup, inspiring players across Australia and the globe to push back against homophobia in sport and to show that sport is best when it is welcoming to all in the community.

Congratulations once again to all the sporting clubs in Wentworth for their incredible efforts and results.

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