Alison Penfold (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge the work of Gary Crawford and Mick Downs, who have been instrumental in envisioning and establishing the Wingham Amateur Boxing Club. The club is a small, volunteer, not-for-profit organisation. It was conceived by Gary and Mick, two ex-Australian Defence Force veterans, with the intent of providing free boxing and coaching fitness to young people aged 13 to 18 in Wingham and surrounding areas.

Gary, who will be the primary instructor, has been involved in amateur boxing since the age of eight. After serving in the Australian Army for five years, Gary began coaching as a way of finding purpose. Gary was a boxing coach for six years at the PCYC in Taree. He trained local youth weekly, often taking competitors to Dubbo, Cobar, Parkes and various locations interstate to participate in organised bouts and championships. Gary was approached by Wingham locals inquiring if he would be interested in starting a boxing club in Wingham with a focus on local youth. Gary agreed, but with the proviso that the service would be free.

Gary's partner in this venture, Mick Downs, spent over 20 years in the Australian Army. He has various qualifications in fitness and combative training, obtained while in the ADF, and has experience working with youth through the Australian Army Cadets scheme.

Seeing a community need for afterschool and weekend activities for local youth, Gary and Mick decided to establish the club with the aim of providing free fitness and boxing training—tailored to varying individual skill, experience, dedication and confidence levels—as well as a communal safe space for local youth. Participation in fitness or boxing classes is not mandatory, and all are welcome to use the facilities to observe, study, complete homework and generally socialise in a safe, strictly alcohol- and drug-free environment.

I recently visited the club and can tell you that the feedback around town is extremely positive, with many teenagers and their families excited about a local, free boxing club and the many social, physical and mental benefits such an organisation can have and is having.

This opportunity would not be possible without generous donations from the community, who have already provided boxing rings, bags, gloves, beanbags, lounge chairs and study tables. I would like to acknowledge the work of locals John Caldron, Secretary Kelly Anderson, the Wingham Anglican church, Reverend Brian Ford and Don Smith, who are playing an instrumental role in the club's development. With the recent floods that caused substantial damage throughout Wingham, the need for a positive, inclusive community facility whereby fitness, health, safety and mentorship are prioritised cannot be overstated. I therefore congratulate all involved in its establishment and extend my full support.