House debates

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

Statements by Members

Owens, Mr Chris, Robinson, Mr River

1:47 pm

Photo of Kevin HoganKevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Chris Owens from Grafton has just won the Les Gilsenan memorial 350-millimetre standing block world championship in wood chopping. It took him 40 seconds to win the competition and take home the prize. Chris put his success down to training and the encouragement of his grandfather, Max Kroehnert, who provided support over the last 15 years. Max has been involved in competitive wood chopping for over six decades. Chris will now return to the regular North Coast Axemen circuit before competing in the Australian championships in January and then the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April. Chris is aiming to join the Australian Chopperoos on the world stage. I congratulate Chris on his great success.

I also take this opportunity to highlight the great achievement of the Yamba Public School year 3 student River Robinson. River is now one of the best spellers in New South Wales and got to compete in the junior final in Sydney this month. River beat 39 other students from primary schools across New South Wales to finish in the top four of the competition. I know that River's family and classmates at Yamba Public School are extremely proud of his achievements and I congratulate River on his great result.