CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms McBAIN (Eden-Monaro—Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management) (16:09): I was saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Kevin Blyton in Cooma on 19 October. Kevin was the owner of the Capital Radio Network and a familiar face across Eden-Monaro. I met with Kevin many times, and he was always warm, friendly and deeply passionate about his work and our community.
His journey in radio began as an announcer at 2XL, and, at just 19 years of age, he purchased the station. From that bold beginning, he built the Capital Radio Network that many of us listen to today. The network now reaches communities across Eden-Monaro, through XLFM and Snow FM in the Snowy Mountains, 2CA and 2CC in Canberra, and GNFM and Eagle FM in Goulburn.
In 2014 Kevin was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame, recognised as one of Australia's most respected radio legends. The award honours outstanding lifetime achievement and contribution to the radio industry, an honour that Kevin truly earnt, but his impact extended well beyond radio. The Blyton Group owns Charlotte Pass and Selwyn resorts, Jindabyne Cinema, Magic Mountain Merimbula and Snowy Mountains Airport, contributing significantly to tourism, recreation and regional development.
Selwyn resort was sadly lost in the Black Summer bushfires, and Kevin poured his heart and soul into rebuilding it. The resort reopened in June 2023. I want to extend my sincere condolences to Kevin's daughter, Lucy, and all who knew and loved him.
Kevin's legacy will continue to echo across the mighty Eden-Monaro and beyond for years to come. I want to commend the incredible athletes at Delegate Public School in the mighty Eden-Monaro. Students at Delegate Public School take their athletics very seriously.
This year, four students—Lily, James, Myah and Abbey—made their way to Sydney for the New South Wales primary school athletics championships. They raced in the mixed four-by-100-metre relay; they came 12th out of 20 teams. We had one year 3 student competing, racing against years 5 and 6 students.
What is truly commendable is that Delegate is a town of 300 people, and we had 600 people watching on Facebook to see how these kids went. Well done, guys. You've really shown what it takes to grow up in a regional area and compete with the best and brightest across the state.
I want to finally acknowledge the remarkable growth and achievements of the Queanbeyan Croquet Club, which I had the pleasure of visiting recently. Just a few years ago this club had only 16 members. Today it boasts a vibrant and active membership of 47.
Whilst many enjoy the social side of croquet, a growing number are excelling in competitive play, travelling across New South Wales, consistently placing in top positions. In the past month alone, Queanbeyan players have secured second place in a national competition in Albury, first place in the Nowra club competition and second in the Young club competition.
The competitive journey started only three years ago, when they entered the lowest division of New South Wales pennants; now they're entering divisions in first and second divisions, defeating long-term champions— (Time expired)