David Smith (Bean, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

When Australian sport is showcased on the international stage, all Australians feel proud. But I think the best by-product of international success is the inspiration it provides to people back at home to get involved in community sports. There are few things as rewarding, both physically and mentally, as getting involved in sports. And while my days as a star athlete may be a little behind me, I always encourage those who are able to get involved in the sports that we all love.

Unfortunately, not everyone has that opportunity. There are a number of groups within our society that face unfair and unjust barriers to participation. This I know in particular is faced by girls and young women. The Albanese Labor government is committed to knocking these barriers down and has committed and delivered a number of programs that deliver just that. The Play Our Way grant is one example of this, with Scouts ACT in my electorate receiving one $1½ million to upgrade facilities at Camp Cottermouth to ensure safe and inclusive facilities are installed at this iconic location. Last year, we committed to upgrades at the Chisholm cricket oval to deliver that as well.

I want to take this moment to recognise the work of Woden Valley Soccer Club. This club is one of the largest clubs in Canberra, if not the largest, when measured by the number of registered players and has the highest participation of girls in the game in the ACT. Jason Geria and Lydia Williams have close connections to the club. But, unfathomably, this club has been prevented from seeking promotion to the ACT National Premier League Girls competition and prevented from providing girls and their club a strong pathway into higher levels of participation in their sport. I encourage Capital Football to reconsider its decision regarding Woden Valley Soccer Club's participation in the National Premier League Girls competition in 2027, so that everyone has equal opportunity.

I also want to take this moment to acknowledge the Alchemy Chorus, who recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary. The Alchemy Chorus is a dementia-friendly choir established by Brian Triglone, and it's been recognised for its deeply moving and joyous work, including being awarded the ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Award and a Positive Ageing Award from the ACT Council on the Ageing. They've also been instrumental in the establishment of nine similar choirs across Australia. It was fantastic to be able to join in their Decade of Delight and sing along with them—mostly in tune—to recognise their accomplishments. Alchemy brings joy and light to difficult journeys. To Brian and all the volunteers, thank you so much for your work.