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

I rise to acknowledge some Hinkler heroes. The Fraser Coast Swim Club has been named the overall winner of the inaugural Queensland Country Championships, which were held in Rockhampton in January. This new initiative by Swimming Queensland brought together 45 regional clubs. The Hervey Bay based club was represented by 27 swimmers who competed in 170 swims. There were 88 finals appearances for 34 gold, 17 silver and 29 bronze medals won—and there were 106 personal best performances. I recently joined a training session at the Fraser Coast Swim Club to commend the members on their efforts and for doing Hinkler proud in the pool.

I had the pleasure of recently joining two Hinkler based, world renowned and highly acclaimed Aboriginal artists, the Sutton sisters, to help spread the word about parliament's recently launched Yarning art competition. Chern'ee and Brooke are both wonderful role models in Hinkler and beyond. Their contemporary work is ever popular and the pair are often commissioned to complete special projects. It was a competition that propelled Chern'ee's illustrious career when, at just 13, she entered and won her first art competition. It ignited her passion and gave her confidence. Brooke has been inspired by her older sister and has an impressive resume in her own right. I want to encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students of Hinkler, no matter what medium they choose, to enter this possibly life-changing Yarning Competition, sharing stories and celebrating culture.

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