Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to acknowledge an outstanding achievement by Woolgoolga High School at the 2025 New South Wales School Merino Wether Challenge. Over four days in Dubbo, the high school's agriculture show team worked tirelessly, caring for 420 sheep from 70 schools, preparing them for judging and partaking in workshops with industry leaders. Despite heavy rainfall and other challenging conditions, the students represented their school with exceptional dedication and professionalism. I'd like to congratulate Macee Harris, Amelia Morrell, Ayla Eggins, Theo Backman, Townes Evan-Wood, Gurjaap Singh, Taj Cruise, Archie Tobin and the agricultural teacher, Gavin Whitburn, for they won the award for Best Presented School in New South Wales at the challenge, taking out the title among 78 competing schools—a great achievement and great recognition of the hard work, skill and teamwork of the team. Congratulations to all the students, staff and families involved in this.

I'd like to acknowledge the Clarence River Fishermen's Co-op, which this year celebrates 80 years. Since 1945, the co-op has been an icon of the Clarence Valley, supporting generations of local fishermen, providing employment and delivering high-quality seafood across Australia and, indeed, the world. The co-op has a deep connection in our region, with retail outlets in Maclean, Yamba and Iluka, along with the Prawn Shack, all being local landmarks. I'd like to congratulate the current general manager, Dee Zahra, and the chair, Tim Small, and acknowledge all the current and former members, directors and staff. I'd like to specifically recognise a few people—namely, the two longest current members, Peter Anderson and Noel Everson, who have both been members of the co-op since 1958 and are still fishing, and also current staff Kevin Ellem and Sandra McGrath, who've been there for over 50 years. Congratulations on over 80 years for this wonderful business in our community.

I'd like to acknowledge one of Woolgoolga's local legends, Jim Reynolds, and the remarkable contribution he and his family have made to the community through their family business, Woolgoolga's Finest Butchery. For more than four decades, Jim has been more than just a butcher; he's been a mentor, an employer and a supporter of countless community initiatives. At 82, Jim is still behind the counter, sharing his wisdom, hard work and community spirit with his customers and the community. Jim's children and grandchildren have all worked behind the counter after school. Jim often says: 'You learn a lot working with your family. You learn how to work hard, show up, take pride. I reckon we need more of that again.' Even after selling one of his shops in 2013, he was soon back behind the counter, because, as Jim said, it's more than just a business; it's part of who he is and of Woolgoolga itself. So thank you to Jim and to his wife Brigita; his daughters, Ruth and Karen; his grandson, Stephen; and team members Arthur and Declan. Enjoy your retirement, Jim.