Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In Lismore the Gahan family and baseball go hand in hand. In 2011, Michael Gahan played for Queensland, taking out the national youth championship. In 2015, he took up a position with the United States college team of Miles Community College in Montana. In 2018, he was selected in the Australian under-23s team that competed in the world cup. Michael's great-great-grandfather, Herb, was a scorer and his great-great-uncle Michael Sr played for Marist Brothers. Second-generation cousins Michael Jr and Peter both represented Queensland, with Peter being selected in the 1981 Australian All-Stars World Cup team. Michael's grandfather Maurice represented Queensland and his three great-uncles all represented at a national level. Chris played in the Australian team, Terry played in the All Australian Country team and Paul played in the Australian Public Service team. Michael's uncle Matthew represented Australia and was signed to the New York Mets, while his uncle Andrew was the Far North Coast Rookie of the year. His dad, Anthony, has also represented Queensland. In 2013, Michael's mum, Emma, received the Far North Coast Commissioner's Award for her outstanding commitment to baseball, and Michael's younger brother Jordan was also selected in the Australian under-14s squad several years ago. This family obviously has a very proud tradition and history around baseball, and they do our community and our nation proud in the world of baseball. Congratulations to all of them.

The annual Glenreagh Timber Festival is in its 15th year and will be on again this Saturday. It celebrates the early heritage of the village, with wood chopping, sheepdog trials, whip cracking, horse carriage rides and plenty of entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The organising committee consists of executive members Chris Hanson, Judith Hanson, Ross Neil and Faye Neil, plus representatives from 12 organisations from around Glenreagh. Those representatives are Tonia Shipman, from the tennis club; George Bennett, from the progress association and the Anglican Church; Rebecca Hooklyn, from the public school; Leanne Grocott, from the pony club; Lisa Orme, from little athletics; Geoffrey Hicks, from Heartstart; Michelle Close, from the rural fire brigade; Jennifer Seed, from the Lions Club; Honi Reifler, from the Sherwood Cliffs Christian Rehab Centre; Tara van Anen, from the community preschool; and Bessie Webb, who is 97 years old and still involved, representing the progress association.

Glenreagh has a very rich history in timber dating back to the first settlement of the village. This festival is all about preserving the skills developed by the industry. I congratulate the Glenreagh community and I very much look forward to being there on Saturday.