Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Every summer many people visit, and obviously many of our locals enjoy, the great beauty of the beaches on the North Coast. Every year our volunteer lifesavers save the lives of many people using our beaches. It takes a special type of person to be a surf-lifesaver, and this was proved last week by surf-lifesaving members Aidan Yourell, Rachael Redman and Jacob Harcourt. Last September I gave a young sporting champion award to 16-year-old Aidan. He and the two 15-year-olds, Rachael and Jacob, all from the Evans Head-Casino Surf-Lifesaving Club, were recently called to rescue two occupants of a boat that had rolled on the bar. The young trio jumped into the inflatable rescue boat and brought the people to shore. The couple of days later the local newspaper, the Northern Star, was taking a photo of them on the beach for a story about their rescue efforts when they were called out again, this time to rescue a man who had been surfing at nearby Shark Bay and was washed up onto nearby rocks. Aidan told the paper, 'It's giving back to the community, really, and making sure everyone stays safe around the beach.' This was a tremendous effort by all three, not only because they risked their lives to help and save others but also because all three are teenagers. Well done and thank you.

The iconic Grafton Jacaranda Festival is in its 82nd year and is about to enter a new era. The committee have had several recommendations put to them recently and these were discussed at the recent AGM. At the AGM a new committee was elected, and I would like to thank the outgoing members for their tireless efforts: President Trevor Green, Senior Vice-President Helen Weatherstone and committee member Scott Baker. The incoming executive for this year are President Kirsten Smith, First Vice-President Steve Cansdell, Second Vice-President Kelle Murphy, Treasurer Peg James, Honorary Secretary Helen Templeton and executive members Karen Hackett, Gordon Smith and Jeff Smith. Donna Hunt has been retained in her role as festival coordinator. I know this will be a great event again. The jacaranda festival is always one of the highlights of the Clarence Valley calendar and I look forward to the events later this year.