Chris Crewther (Dunkley, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia is a great sporting nation. Boxing enthusiasts, and no doubt many others, will surely recognise the name Johnny Famechon, or 'Fammo' as he was known to the many Australians who cheered his successes. On Sunday, 21 January the Dunkley community gathered at Ballam Park to pay tribute to Fammo, as Frankston's own legendary boxer, WBC featherweight champion and a Hall of Famer, with the unveiling of his permanent new 2.1 metre bronze statue. Hundreds of people turned up, as well as over 16 world and Australian boxing champions, including Africa's most famous boxer, Azumah Nelson, who flew all the way from Ghana just for the event, showing what an impact Fammo made not only across Australia but throughout the sport worldwide. I was honoured to have been a guest speaker at the formal dinner the night before, not only as local member but as representative of the federal government. Many were present who deserve recognition, but special tribute must go to Gary Luscombe, who launched the Johnny Famechon statue project, fundraising over $100,000 over many years; as well as sculptor Stephen Glassborow; Ragnar Purje, who, through his amazing work and Johnny's determination, helped Fammo recover from a 1991 accident; and boxers like Barry Michael, who provided such strong support. Fammo's sense of humour has never wavered, and I'm immensely proud to have him as my constituent. What a champion! Congratulations to all those who put in so much effort into honouring Johnny Famechon through this statue project.