Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to congratulate MJS Line Dance of Kurri Kurri on an outstanding achievement and recognise a group proving that rhythm is alive and well in the Hunter. At the Australian Line Dance Championships and the New South Wales Open Line Dance Competition, Jessica Kelly and Shanon Dickson delivered an exceptional performance, taking first place in the intermediate and advanced line dancing choreography competitions and earning second place in the People's Choice Award. That is no small effort at all. Anyone who has tried line dancing knows it requires coordination, memory, fitness and the ability to stay in step—something many of us in this place would struggle with.

MJS Line Dance is a proud local family-run business founded in 2024. After more than 20 years of dancing, Shanon decided to give back to his local community and create a welcoming and inclusive space. By bringing together the names of the co-founders, Mellissa and Jessica, with his own, MJS Line Dance was born. In just over a year, MJS Line Dance has grown into a thriving community, now running three successful classes every Thursday night. With routines ranging from pop to country to Irish music, there is something for everyone, whether you arrive with fancy footwork or two left feet. A huge congratulations to Jessica and Shanon. Kurri Kurri and the Hunter are so proud of you guys.

See this speech in context