CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr FRENCH (Moore) (16:09): Today I want to highlight two shining examples of community spirit and achievement for my electorate. First, Rhiannon Clarke, an extraordinary young athlete, university student and disability advocate from our local community, who continues to make Moore and Australia incredibly proud. At just 22, Rhiannon has already achieved what many athletes can only dream of.
She's represented Australia on the world stage, winning three world championship medals and two Commonwealth Games medals. This includes winning silver at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 and again at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris in 2023. She also competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Most recently, Rhiannon travelled to New Delhi in India to compete in the World Para Athletics Championships, as one of just two Western Australians in a 49-member Australian contingent. Closer to home she was recognised with the MercyCare Positive Achievement Award at the 2025 WA Youth Awards—a testament to not just her athletics success but her commitment to mentoring young para-athletes and advocating for inclusion and equity in sport.
Beyond the track Rhiannon uses her platform to raise awareness about unseen disabilities, challenge stereotypes and change the narrative around what it means to live and thrive with disability. She's passionate about empowering the next generation to embrace who they are and to chase their dreams, no matter the barriers. Rhiannon said: I really want to show all those young kids out there to be proud of your disability and be proud of yourself.
Rhiannon, you're a champion and you make us all proud. I also want to give a special shout-out to Rick, Bill and the entire team at the Joondalup Men's Shed. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the shed again, and it was great to see firsthand the sense of purpose and camaraderie that that place provides.
From restoring a 1960s Dodge truck to crafting wooden toys, the Joondalup shed is proof of how community groups can bring people together—not just to build projects but to build connections, wellbeing and belonging. I'm particularly proud that the Joondalup shed is an excellent and proud sponsor of the Joondalup Women's Shed at Winton Road, creating an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone can contribute, learn and lend a hand.
To Rhiannon and the Joondalup men's and women's sheds: thank you for showing us what community spirit looks like. Moore is stronger because of you.