ADJOURNMENT

Ms BERRY (Whitlam) (19:45): I rise today to pay tribute to Bob Montgomery, an extraordinary man who, at 82 years of age, recently completed a 5,300 kilometre cycling trek from Broome in Western Australia to his home in Bowral in New South Wales. Bob undertook this incredible feat alongside his grandson Tom to raise awareness and funds in support of people living with motor neurone disease.

Sadly, Bob passed away on 3 August, just one day after he completed his inspirational ride. Through this ride, Bob raised over $127,000 for Motor Neurone Disease New South Wales, having previously raised $300,000 from five other long-distance rides he undertook across Australia. I was fortunate to meet Bob and his wife, Jenny, before Bob set off on his ride, and I learned about his charitable work and his life.

Jenny was an incredible support to Bob on his rides. It was a true team effort. Bob's compassion and motivation to help suffers of motor neurone disease began after he witnessed his cousin die from the disease.

Many Australians have been deeply moved and inspired by Bob's story. As a testament to his empathy for others and his enthusiasm, Bob's last ride prompted a huge outpouring from the community in awe of his remarkable life and how he inspired others. Bob was an accomplished sportsperson, businessowner and a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

On behalf of everyone in the Whitlam electorate and the many thousands of Australians who were touched by Bob's incredible fundraising efforts, I want to acknowledge Bob's generosity, kindness and enthusiasm. I also offer my condolences to his wife, his daughters and his grandchildren. Bob Montgomery will be remembered as a hero and a gentleman.

I rise to acknowledge the dedication and community spirit of Neil Barnett from Kembla Joggers, which is based in my electorate of Whitlam. Kembla Joggers is one of the largest and most respected community running clubs in Australia. Kembla Joggers attracts athletes of all ages and abilities and are well known for their friendly, non-elitist approach to the sport of running.

Neil Barnett embodies the spirit of Kembla Joggers. Neil has served on its committee for 35 years, with 32 years in either the president or secretary roles. Neil first served as president of Kembla Joggers in 1992 at the tender age of 23.

Neil was recently awarded an Australian Athletics gold service pin by NSW Athletics for his more than three decades of service to the sport of athletics. Neil is also a life member of Kembla Joggers, given his role in helping to make Kembla Joggers the incredibly successful running club it is today. Unsurprisingly, Neil is also an outstanding runner, competing in half-marathons and at the state level.

The Illawarra and wider New South Wales athletics community have benefited from Neil's decades of service. I acknowledge the enormous impact he has had in helping to foster the health and fitness of tens of thousands of people through his involvement with Kembla Joggers. Thank you, Neil.

I rise today to recognise Jill Majkowycz, a champion for people living with arthritis. Jill has devoted 35 years of her life to supporting people with arthritis through her involvement in the local Warilla-Shellharbour branch of the Arthritis Movement, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The Arthritis Movement operates throughout New South Wales and Queensland and is dedicated to improving lives through innovative care, support and relentless advocacy for those impacted by arthritis.

Jill joined the Warilla-Shellharbour branch in 1991 and served as a committee member, and, from 2012, she served as president. Under Jill's leadership, the Warilla-Shellharbour branch has raised funds and sponsored events, including walkathons and camps, with a particular passion for supporting children and teenagers living with arthritis. Jill received a NSW Volunteer of the Year Award in 2024 for her tireless work for the community.

Jill would want me to recognise those who she has worked closely with over the years. Her colleague Sheila Morris deserves a special mention given her 25 years of service, including as secretary of the Warilla-Shellharbour branch. Arthritis affects thousands of people across my electorate of Whitlam, many of whom would be left alone to cope in isolation without Jill's selfless support.

Thank you, Jill, on behalf of the people of Shellharbour and Warilla and the Whitlam electorate for your tireless service to our community.