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

I would like to extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the young woman taken today at Crowdy Bay in a fatal shark attack. Crowdy Bay is in my electorate, and, indeed, it's a beach that I know well. I spent many years there as a child. It's a tragic circumstance. This was at an unpatrolled beach at quite a remote part of the bay. It happened very early this morning. Details are scant, but I understand that it was a tourist with her partner, both in their 20s. Unfortunately, she died at the beach. A heroic passerby managed to put a tourniquet on the man who tried to save the lady. He's now in John Hunter Hospital.

I've spoken to the president of the Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club. Some of their members were called out this morning to assist, and I know the ambulance and other people were also called. It's just a very tragic circumstance on the eve of the holiday season. Crowdy Bay is a very busy beach; it's closed at the moment. It's very sad for the entire community. I thank you for this opportunity to extend my condolences to everyone involved in the families who've lost a loved one.