CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr HOGAN (Page—Deputy Manager of Opposition Business) (16:17): I'd like to congratulate the Lismore Swans AFL team on defeating the Ballina Bombers to win the 2026 Northern Rivers AFL Premiership. This is the Swans' first premiership since 2011. Following the 2022 flood, the club was unable to field a team for two seasons.
In the years between 2011 and the 2026 premiership, there was a three year period where the Swans did not win a single game. This is a fantastic achievement for the club and well deserved. I want to congratulate the coaches Nick Jackson, Ben Weatherhead, Tim Whalan and the players Brendan, Jack, Otto, Tim, Geoff, Dylan, Tom, Jackson, Josh, Lucas, Austin, Clay, Jarrod, Lochlan, Michael, Blake, Eoghan, Hafis, Jerone, Shayne, Zach, Matthew, Dylan and Daniel.
The premiership is a great comeback story. Congratulations to everyone who has played a part in bringing the Swans back to the top. I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate Ruth Everuss on a lifetime of outstanding achievement and service to the sport of swimming.
For the last 24 years, Ruth has been the driving force behind the Maclean Manta Ray Swimming Club, dedicating countless hours to developing young swimmers within the Clarence Valley. Ruth moved from Auburn to the Clarence Valley in 2002 and, after swimming at the pool, was asked if she would coach the learn to swim program. Ruth represented Australia at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay, and went on to win Commonwealth Games gold in 1962.
In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to swimming, in 2002 the Auburn Aquatic Centre was renamed the Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre and in 2025 Ruth was awarded life membership of Swimming New South Wales, one of the highest honours the organisation can bestow. Congratulations, Ruth, on everything you've achieved and thank you for the time, care and support you continue to give young swimmers through the Maclean Manta Rays.
As Ruth's favourite saying goes, 'Perfect practice makes perfect.' I'd like to sound the alarm about a growing threat to Australia's food security. I recently met with commercial beekeepers who are worried about the future of their industry. Their message was simple: the varroa mite is no longer just a problem for bees and honey producers; it is becoming a serious threat to Australia's food security.
I am calling on this government for more practical and affordable solutions for our commercial beekeepers. This is an industry we cannot afford to lose.