I rise to congratulate Ann and Brett Jurd from Hamilton, who are proving that you don't need a flash car or a serious attitude to make a big difference. Ann and Brett are hitting the road in a $1,500 Toyota Tarago named Gerri Hat-Trick as part of the Cancer Council's Mystery Box Rally. Their team name is Two Old Ducks, and, if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about this adventure, I'm not sure what will. They'll be joining a convoy of equally adventurous Australians travelling across the country in a rally where the destination is a mystery right until the very end. I suspect Gerri Hat-Trick might have a few stories to tell by the time they get there, if she makes it.

But underneath the laughs, the questionable vehicle choice and the brilliant team name is a very important cause. Ann and Brett are raising money for cancer research and helping support Australians and families affected by cancer. So I want to wish the Two Old Ducks and Gerri Hat-Trick the very best of luck. May the roads be kind, the wheels keep turning and the fundraising be as impressive as the adventure. Newcastle will be cheering you on.

I want to congratulate the Newcastle Yowies women on their outstanding victory in the Koori Knockout. The Yowies have done Newcastle proud, defeating the Redfern All Blacks 14 to six to secure back-to-back women's titles. A special mention must go to Grace Langdon, whose two tries helped seal the win, and to the entire team for their determination, skill and teamwork.

The Koori Knockout is about so much more than football. It brings families and communities together, celebrates culture and connection, and showcases the incredible talent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year, thousands travelled to Worimi country in your electorate, Deputy Speaker Swanson, at Raymond Terrace to be part of this fantastic event hosted in our region by the Newcastle Yowies. It was fantastic to see the Yowies rise to the occasion and deliver such a memorable result in front of their community. This win is something every Novocastrian can celebrate. The team's success is also a wonderful reflection of the strength of women's rugby league in our region and the next generation of young players, who can look up to these women as role models both on and off the field. To the players, coaches, volunteers and supporters: congratulations on a tremendous achievement. You've made Newcastle proud, and I know that I express the voices of all Novocastrians when I say we're all looking forward to seeing you do next season.