CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms McBAIN (Eden-Monaro—Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management) (10:57): I rise today to recognise an outstanding achievement by another one of Eden-Monaro's sporting champions, Pambula's own James 'Jimmy' Reynolds, following his recent gold medal success in the men's para bowls at the Commonwealth Games.
Jimmy and his team-mate Damien Delgado nabbed gold in the finals against New Zealand, after thumping Scotland in the semis. The Glasgow gold is Jimmy's second medal at the Commonwealth Games. At the 2002 games he won a bronze for Australia.
His dedication to sport began early, claiming the New South Wales under-18s junior singles title at just 15 years of age. He has represented Australia at three Commonwealth Games and won gold at the 2023 World Bowls Championship. A 24-year playing career at the elite level is an outstanding achievement for any athlete, and it must qualify Jimmy as one of the most enduring sporting professionals in the nation.
With this win, Jimmy joins just three other Australian athletes to have won at both the Commonwealth Games and World Bowls Championships. His achievement has been celebrated right across Eden-Monaro, but nowhere more proudly than at his old primary school, Pambula Public School. Students and staff cheered Jimmy on, with a special viewing of the game at the morning assembly.
Jimmy Reynolds embodies the values of perseverance, determination and excellence. He has made his community and his country incredibly proud. I congratulate Jimmy on his achievement.
I thank him for his contribution to Australian sport and for the inspiration he provides to generations across Eden-Monaro, and give a special shout-out, as a former schoolmate of Jimmy's: we love you, mate. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Windellama Progress Association, whose annual great cake auction has once again delivered an outstanding result for the community.
This year's event raised more than $11,000 for Can Assist Goulburn, helping support local people and families facing a cancer diagnosis. It was a wonderful example of a community making a real difference in the lives of others. I was fortunate enough to secure the winning bid on a delicious white chocolate cheesecake, which was very well received by my team.
The Windellama Progress Association plays a vital role in the local community. The association maintains the community hall, a place where residents come together for events, activities and the much-loved markets that help keep the town connected and thriving. In rural and regional communities, organisations like the Windellama Progress Association are the backbone of the community.
Through their hard work, dedication and countless volunteer hours, they create opportunities for people to connect, support one another and strengthen community spirit. I thank the members of the Windellama Progress Association for their extraordinary contribution to the Windellama community and congratulate them again on another highly successful great cake auction.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Mascarenhas ): In accordance with standing order 193, the time for constituency statements has concluded.