Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister Assisting for Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to recognise an extraordinary community organisation, Ski for Life. That's an organisation which embodies the strength, the resilience and the compassion of regional Australia. Each year over the March long weekend, teams from across Australia come together to undertake an incredible three-day odyssey, waterskiing over more than 450 kilometres of the Murray River, from Murray Bridge to Renmark. This event, however, is about far more than waterskiing over a long distance. At its heart, Ski for Life is about saving lives. It's a grassroots community led movement dedicated to raising awareness of mental health, promoting wellbeing and preventing suicide, particularly in regional communities, where these challenges are often felt most deeply and where stigma, unfortunately, remains stubbornly high.

This year, more than 35 teams with around 400 skiers participated. These are people united not just by their love of the sport and their love of the river but by a shared purpose. Together this year, they've raised a whopping $463,103. These funds will enable Ski for Life to invest in grassroots programs, community projects and practical initiatives that strengthen connection, reduce stigma and ensure that no-one has to face their struggles alone, because what Ski for Life understands and what regional Australians know all too well is that mental health challenges don't take a break, they don't discriminate and they require more than awareness; they require action. Ski for Life takes that action through its grant programs, delivering funding to support local ideas, backing local leaders and empowering communities to take care of their own. Just as importantly, it's about starting a conversation—honest, sometimes difficult but necessary conversations that build a culture that says: 'You know what? It's okay to speak up. It's okay to seek help.'

I'm incredibly proud of Ski for Life, including Chair Mark Facey, who is, quite frankly, the driving force who delivers so much of these positive outcomes. I want to thank all the volunteers, the crew and the many supporters behind the scenes, as well as every single participant who has taken to the water for a cause bigger than themselves. Ski for Life is more than an event. It's a movement of hope, a testament to community spirit and a powerful reminder that even the toughest journey can lead to life-changing outcomes. So, quite frankly, thank you to everyone involved. Your work is making a real difference. Your commitment is saving lives, and your example should be an inspiration to all Australians.