Tim Hammond (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to celebrate and acknowledge the wonderful work undertaken by the mighty Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club. I acknowledge and note the presence of the president, Robert Gearson, and the coach, Debbie Schneider, in the gallery today. The reason why they are here is that, I am very proud to say, they were the finalists in the 2016 National Disability Awards held in Canberra last night in the Excellence in Community Partnerships category, partnering with another favourite of mine—the might Fremantle Dockers.

The Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club are leading the way in relation to access for kids with disability to get into games like Australian Rules footy through the implementation of the wonderful Star Kick program. This allows kids with disability to engage and play AFL. It was the brainchild of the Coolbinia Bombers, Rob and Gabby and co. Forty-seven boys and girls aged from five to 12 with a number of disabilities and impairments, including autism, cerebral palsy, some blindness, and other physical and intellectual disabilities, are all getting onto the footy field and just having fun. These guys are absolutely fantastic. They are making footies themselves with bells inside so kids can grab them. They are cutting down witches hats so kids can kick a footy. Well done to Rob, Gabby, Bryn Sawford, Nick Marsh and all of the parents. But most importantly, well done to those wonderful kids who are having the time of their lives. Well done to the Coolbinia Bombers.