Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today we celebrate the achievements of yet another wonderful woman of Goldstein—Hampton's own, Emma Olivier. Emma is the first woman with one arm to pass the Bronze Medal and serve as a lifesaver during Black Rock Life Saving Club's summer patrol. I met Emma last year on my visit to the club. In particular, I saw their need to redevelop their facilities as part of this important community institution. At the time, Emma was preparing for the Bronze Medal test. Since then, the 46-year-old has trained in running and swimming throughout the week, learnt CPR, learnt how to use a defibrillator, learnt how to treat injuries and even learnt how to use a trusty radio as a communication tool.

Emma has demonstrated that the challenges life has presented to her do not act as a barrier to her achievement. She wanted to prove to herself that she could do this but she also did it to set an example to others. In a recent newspaper article she was quoted as saying: 'There might be a kid out there who is like me who goes, "Well, actually I never thought that I could do this, and maybe I can."' Emma understands that, for so many young people, 'you cannot be what you cannot see'. But, even with that saying, there is always someone out there who has to be a trailblazer—and that is you, Emma. On behalf of the entire parliament I would like to say how proud of her we are.