Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to congratulate an extraordinary Australian athlete, Jakara Anthony, on her role representing our nation at this year's Winter Olympics in Italy. Jakara is a proud Barwon Heads local in my electorate of Corangamite, and while her sport takes her all over the world, she remains deeply connected to the Bellarine Peninsula, carrying her community with her onto the international stage. To be selected as our nation's flag bearer is one of the greatest honours in sport. It speaks not just to athletic excellence but to character, leadership and the respect of teammates. Jakara embodies all of that.

These sporting journeys don't begin on the Olympic slopes. They start years earlier. They start at places like Mount Buller, where Jakara and her family spent many winters building her skills. They start at local community and sporting clubs, schools and regional training grounds. They start with parents driving to early morning sessions, with volunteers marking fields, with councils maintaining courts, and with our federal government backing in the infrastructure that gives young Australians a chance to think big. That is exactly why the Albanese government is investing in sporting and community infrastructure across regional Australia, including in communities like mine in Corangamite, from our investments in the North Bellarine and Surf Coast aquatic centres, upgrades to netball facilities in Grovedale and Drysdale, redevelopment of the Leopold sporting precinct and a new sports stadium in the rapidly growing township of Armstrong Creek.

When we invest locally, we build more than venues; we create opportunity and pathways for the next generation, whether that leads to the Olympics or simply a lifelong love of sport and community. Corangamite is full of young people with talent and ambition. They deserve access to quality facilities and opportunities just like anyone else. Our government is committed to ensuring regional communities like mine are not left behind.

As Jakara takes to the slopes once again, chasing a second Olympic gold medal, she does so with the support of her hometown of Barwon Heads and with the entire nation behind her.I know communities right across my electorate will be watching with pride, and I encourage all Australians to get behind Jakara and every member of the Olympic team as they represent us on the world stage. Good luck to all our athletes. We're cheering you on.

Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 193, the time for constituency statements has concluded.