House debates

Thursday, 2 March 2017

Statements by Members

Boothby Electorate: Australia Day Awards

1:50 pm

Photo of Nicolle FlintNicolle Flint (Boothby, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Today I would like to recognise Australia Day award recipients from two of my local councils. From the City of Holdfast Bay, I applaud Citizen of the Year Sarah Tinney for the outstanding service she has given to the local community and for her considerable fundraising efforts. Sarah's mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, and Sarah took up the challenge of raising money to fund the fight against the disease. In 2014 Sarah organised the Marilyn Jetty Swim, in memory of her mum, Esther. This event sees women dress up as Marilyn Monroe and, armed with inflatable arm rings, they paddle and swim 400 metres around the Brighton jetty. This fabulous event has now raised over $120,000.

The Holdfast Bay Young Citizen of the Year was Olympic champion swimmer Kyle Chalmers. At just 18, Kyle made his Olympic debut in the men's 100-metre freestyle. He set a new junior world record and brought home gold for Australia. He is an inspiration to budding athletes across Australia.

I would also like to acknowledge recipients from outside Boothby but whose ceremony I attended at the City of Onkaparinga: joint Citizen of the Year recipients, Kellie Matalone and Keryn McElroy, and Young Citizen of the Year Jessica Perry. Jessica, in particular, is often spotted in and around Boothby, contributing to the community by organising leadership events, such as the 2016 Anti-Poverty Dinner, Youth Recognition Awards, leadership forums and National Youth Week, as well as working in her business with her sister.