Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to congratulate Jael Wena, a 12-year-old student from Hazel Glen College in our electorate of McEwen, who stunned audiences and took out third prize in the highly prestigious international Junior Eurovision Song Contest earlier this week.

Jael, who travelled all the way from Doreen to the Minsk-Arena in Belarus, performed her song, Champion, in front of a worldwide audience. The talented year 7 student often performs at assemblies at Hazel Glen, but this was a totally different experience. After her win, Jael thanked everyone who had supported her, including her parents, who travelled to Belarus with her; her manager, YoYo Music; and broadcaster ABC ME.

Like everyone at Hazel Glen, we're so proud to have Jael represent us so spectacularly, sharing Australian values and talents with a worldwide audience. What an incredible achievement for Jael and what a source of inspiration she can be for her fellow students and students right across the nation. We are so proud to have such an immense young talent coming out of our community, and we wish Jael luck in her future musical endeavours. She is truly an Australian champion.

As Molly Meldrum would say, do yourself a favour, get out there and listen to Champion. And keep an eye on this wonderful student as she embarks on what is going to be a sensational musical career in the future.