Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was 254 years in the making, and the Gweagal spears have been returned to the La Perouse Aboriginal community. The four spears were taken by Captain Cook and Sir Joseph Banks at the time of first contact between the crew of the Endeavour and First Nations people of Kamay, or Botany Bay. They belong here in Australia on country, and I was delighted to join the local community for the premiere of the documentary film about the journey for the Gweagal spears from Cambridge university to Sydney at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

I'd like to acknowledge the great work of the Gujaga Foundation in helping to produce the return of the Gweagal spears documentary. The short film focuses on both the decades-long campaign by members of the La Perouse Aboriginal community and the experiences of the delegation of traditional owners who travelled to Cambridge for the hand-back ceremony. The delegation was make up of Noeleen Timbery, Ray Ingrey, Tristan Simms, David Johnson, Quaiden Williams Riley and Ash Walker. The film also captures the perspectives of representatives from the University of Cambridge, who received the Gweagal spears in 1770 and held them until their hand-back. The return of the spears is extremely important to the La Perouse Aboriginal community, but it's also important for Australia. It's a significant step forwards on the journey of reconciliation and towards finally telling the truth about what actually occurred when Captain Cook landed in Botany Bay.

I was also proud to join the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Eastern Suburbs Football Association in Sydney recently. In 1925 the association, known as ESFA, was founded to create a place where people across our community could unite on the football pitch. What began with just a handful of local clubs has flourished into a thriving association boasting 24 member clubs and a record-high of over 10,000 registered players. Notable milestones include historic premiership wins, the expansion of women's football opportunities and an ongoing growth in player participation year after year, with grades from very young children all the way up to walking football.

Off the pitch, ESFA is recognised for its commitment to inclusion, volunteerism and club development. This includes supporting junior football and investing in coaching education so that the beautiful game continues to flourish in our community. I'd like to make special mention of the tireless dedication of the volunteers who keep ESFA kicking goals year on year. Congratulations to everyone who has played a part—the players, in particular; the referees, who week in week out adjudicate games; the coaches; the volunteers; the sponsors; and the supporters. Happy 100th anniversary to the Eastern Suburbs Football Association.