House debates

Thursday, 25 May 2023

Statements by Members

Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards

1:41 pm

Photo of Bridget ArcherBridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Congratulations to three Northern Tasmanians, winners of the 2023 Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards. Jamie Graham-Blair is 28 and was awarded the First Nations People Achievement Award for his work as an educator, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have a sense of pride and empowerment. A proud trawlwoolway and plangermairenner pakana of North-East lutruwita, Mr Graham-Blair is also about to finish his bachelor of marine and Antarctic studies at the university, combining both pakana and Western science to fight climate change. 'You don't belong to one of the world's oldest continuous cultures by not being sustainable and in touch with the needs of the lands you occupy,' he says.

For the winner of the Small Business Achievement Award, Courtney Hill, the award is recognition of her dedication to addressing the cultural challenges of the hospitality industry. Hill, co-owner of the Dare Darlin' restaurant in Launceston, has a mission to inspire humanity to be kind, to educate and support young hospitality professionals, to create exceptional dining experiences and to waste little while doing so. Since the day the restaurant doors opened they've implemented a staff-first approach, with four-day work weeks, no salary packages, no underpayment and no unpaid overtime.

Finally, my congratulations to young cycling champion Hamish McKenzie, who took out the Sports Award, including winning the under-19 time trial championship in 2022. I can't wait to see what you do next, Hamish.