House debates

Monday, 23 June 2014

Statements by Members

Pentecost, Mr Nathan

1:58 pm

Photo of Fiona ScottFiona Scott (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Penrith is lucky to be home to the inspirational and amazing Nathan Pentecost. Over the weekend, Nathan pushed through his pain barrier in his second 100-kilometre 'Pushathon'. In the process, he raised more than $5,000 for local charities. This was Nathan's second Pushathon, with last year the money going towards the Cystic Fybrosis Federation. Commencing his push at 6.30 am, over two days Nathan pushed over 20 laps of the five-kilometre Sydney International Regatta Centre. Nathan kept a cracking pace, completing most of his laps in under half an hour. Nathan is a wonderful member of the Lindsay community. I am proud to boast that, from his wheelchair, Nathan has represented Australia in three sports: weightlifting, basketball and rugby league, in which he is also the captain of the Penrith Panthers wheelchair rugby league team. I would like to acknowledge the support of Nathan's support team, who helped him through this enormous, amazing physical challenge—in particular, Simon from Emu Plains Spinal and Sports Physiotherapy. Today Nathan's wheelchair might be bent and broken, and I am sure Nathan is nursing a few aches and pains, but this is nothing for this remarkable young man, who I am sure will be ready to saddle up again next year.

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.