Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to congratulate and commend Australia's Winter Olympic team, who delivered an incredible performance at the Milano Cortina games. It is no surprise that Eden-Monaro led the medal tally, and, at one stage, Eden-Monaro was out-medalling the nations of Canada, China and New Zealand. It was so great to see local talent shining on the world stage.

Eden-Monaro locals included Jindabyne's Josie Baff, who won gold in the women's snowboard cross and Cooper Woods from Pambula Beach, who took home gold for an absolutely amazing final run in the moguls—and it was great to catch up with Cooper in Pambula on the weekend. Jakara Anthony became our greatest winter athlete, the only Australian to win two Winter Olympic gold medals after claiming gold in the dual moguls, and Dalmeny local Valentino Guseli delivered a fantastic effort, finishing fifth in the men's snowboard halfpipe and 10th in the men's big air.

Many of Australia's winter athletes train at the National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne and on the slopes of Perisher and Thredbo in the mighty Eden-Monaro. I know I speak for all of Eden-Monaro when I say we could not be prouder of the whole Winter Olympic team, especially our homegrown heroes. Whether competing on snow, on ice or in the air, they've done us incredibly proud on the world stage, and they've inspired so many people across our region.

I rise to congratulate the Bega Show on their 150th show. The first show was held in 1871, and there have been some disruptions due to war, bushfires, COVID and the pavilion being rebuilt. I know all of my colleagues from regional electorates know the importance of ag and pastoral shows in their communities. It brings people together. It gives people the opportunity to show off their products and livestock. And 150 years is no small feat. A big shout-out to the Bega Show committee and all the volunteers who help organise, participate in and celebrate this milestone. Your dedication made the show possible. Committee members make a really important contribution, and they make it memorable for our community, so it was so great to see life membership awarded to committee members Brett Rogers, Barb Rogers, Peter Hull, Len Crowe, Rhonda Crowe and Brad Ford. It was even more fantastic to see the New South Wales governor, Her Excellency the Hon. Margaret Beazley AC, KC, open the show on Friday 27 February and present those life memberships.

It ran all weekend. It was such an honour to attend and support all the producers, the stallholders and local businesses who made it possible. The Bega community centre at the Bega Showground was also put to good use thanks to more than $15 million invested by both the Australian and New South Wales governments through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. A big congratulations to Jada Ison for being named this year's Bega Young Woman and Miley Curtis, who was named this year's Bega Young Woman. Congratulations to both Jada and Miley, and thank you for everything you do in our community.