David Batt (Hinkler, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Sports fans, what a time! This week, Aussies have had the chance to marvel at the talents of skiers on the slopes and legends of the luge at the Winter Olympics, which keeps us captivated in Italy. Meanwhile, my fellow Queenslanders are eagerly anticipating hosting the 2032 Summer Olympics. I was impressed with the sporting prowess on show in my own backyard of Hinkler at the weekend. Our future stars of track and field with a dream to compete in Brisbane 2032 could well have been in the mix. I had the privilege of presenting medals to those on the podium at Queensland's Central Coast Regional Athletics Championships, hosted by the Bundaberg Athletic and West Bundaberg Little Athletics clubs. One of regional Australia's most prestigious touch football events was hosted in Hinkler at the weekend as well. The biggest ever Bundy Cup attracted 94 teams across 10 divisions with around 4,000 people on site each day. It was a remarkable event and another example of sport bringing people together and boosting our local economy.

Hervey Bay will host a high-level Rugby League match next month, as the Ipswich Jets take on the Sunshine Coast Falcons in a round 2 clash of the Queensland Hostplus Cup fixture at Ralph Stafford Park. Queensland Rugby League is the fabric of many communities across my electorate, and this competition, also known as the Queensland Cup, provides a clear pathway to the NRL for regional talent.

It's great to see those successful in sport give back to the game and, in particular, support grassroots and regional areas. None do this better than the Bulls Masters cricket greats, who have formed a non-profit organisation developing cricket in the country areas and supporting community groups such as our men's sheds. Led by former Queensland Sheffield Shield star and Aussie player Jimmy Maher, the Bulls Masters carry out hospital visits, fundraise for charity, encourage our children to play sport and help improve our local facilities. Next week, the Bulls Masters return to Bundaberg for what's been an almost decade-long partnership, this time bringing to town one of the fastest, if not the quickest, bowlers we've ever known, Jeff Thomson.

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