Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to acknowledge and celebrate the 90th birthday of the Casino Greyhound Racing Club. The first race meeting was held at the now Queen Elizabeth Park in 1936. The Northfield family are notorious in our local greyhound community. Pop Northfield was a key driver behind greyhound racing in the northern rivers. His son Billy trained champions like Pretty Short, which won 58 races in its career. His grandsons, Mitch, Charlie, Brad and Glen, along with the wider family, have carried on this legacy. I'd particularly like to acknowledge Mitch, who is currently the president, Secretary Donna Pezet and past employees with significant contributions such as Don Waldron, Bruce Knight and Ronnie Herd for their leadership and service to the club. Because of this dedication and support of local trainers and the community, the Casino greyhound club continues to thrive as a hub for racing. Congratulations to the committee, the staff and the volunteers over a remarkable 90 years.

I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate the Country Women's Association Casino branch for their 100th birthday. For a century, the women of Casino CWA have been at the heart of our community. From establishing vital health and welfare services to their participation in Primex, the Casino Show, community fundraising stalls and the Casino Golf Club markets, the group have provided ongoing support for community organisations in Casino. I'd also like to acknowledge the dedicated branch executive and president, Jane Flick; secretary, Janet Henderson; treasurer, Jennifer Baker; and cultural officer, Denise Crouch, along with all the Casino branch members. I'd also like to recognise two life members: Rita Nicholls, for 40 years, and Anne Bailey, a CWA Far North Coast Group patron and life member of 69½ years, celebrating her 100th birthday in September. Thank you to all the members, past and present, for your leadership and dedication to the Casino CWA.

I'd like to acknowledge Darren Crispin from Grafton, who this weekend will take on a 24-hour tennis challenge in support of the Love Your Sister charity. Darren is a generous coach at the Junction Hill Tennis Club and a driving force behind the club, always giving his time to students and backing those doing it tough. Cancer is something he holds close, having lost loved ones, and that's what is driving his fundraising. Last year he completed a 12-hour marathon, raising over $25,000. This year, after 12 months of training, he is taking up the 24-hour challenge. Through initiatives like Aces for the Community and Bridges of Hope walks, Darren continues to bring people together to support others in need. I'd like to acknowledge his wife, Karen; his children, Natasha, Nick, Josh and BJ; and their partners for their support. Darren, this is a remarkable effort, and the community is right behind you.