Julie Collins (Franklin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to talk about the annual Swiftsure Regatta, which is a small regatta held in the town of Franklin on the beautiful Huon River in my electorate. It was my pleasure to go there a few weeks ago and see the kids on the water, having fun in the wooden boats and testing out their new-found aquatic skills, thanks to a wonderful community program developed by the Huon cluster of schools and the Living Boat Trust. I was thrilled to be part of the day and was happy to announce a $100,000 funding package for the ‘On the water’ project. This 18-month project has been funded through the Australian government’s Healthy Active Australia Community and School Grants Program that is part of the Australian Better Health Initiative.

The funding will give the Huon Valley children an opportunity to acquire skills by participating in a safe and enjoyable introduction to water safety, small boat sailing and rowing, as well as a school based health and fitness program. It was developed by the Living Boat Trust and the Huon Valley cluster of schools. They use oars and sails on a variety of craft to help children remain active and healthy. It really is an important outcome of the project. The Rudd government is committed to measures which aim to promote good health, and we know this starts with educating our children through local programs to help them stay active. The project could not be successful without the hard work and dedication of the schools and the Living Boat Trust. I would like to place on record my appreciation to the principals from the Huon cluster, who have developed this creative opportunity for students. I was proud to be part of the program.(Time expired)