Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to share with the House that last week I was named Vice-Patron of Surf Life Saving Northern Territory.

Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Childhood Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Lots of surfing up there.

Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, lots of good surf up there! Surf lifesaving has been an Australian way of life for more than 100 years. Swimming at the beach is a national pastime and Surf Life Saving Australia continue to make a positive contribution both on and off the beach to Territorians and the wider Australian community. So I was absolutely honoured when the organisation asked me to support them as their vice patron.

Established in 1983, Surf Life Saving NT is one of the seven affiliates of Surf Life Saving Australia. It has almost equal representation of both females and males in its 1,800 membership across the Territory. I have two surf lifesaving clubs in my electorate. They are the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club and the Mindil Beach Surf Life Saving Club. They are extremely active clubs; yet they could benefit with some more volunteers. Last year in the Northern Territory there were more than 22 rescues, more than 8,500 preventative actions and over 30 serious first aid cases. I would like to report that none has involved a crocodile—contrary to what the Northern Territory News would report every day. I look forward to supporting Surf Life Saving NT and ensuring that their good work continues.