STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms CLAYDON (Newcastle—Deputy Speaker) (16:02): I rise today to congratulate Newcastle's very own Con Gounis on being recognised at the 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards. Con is a wonderful example of the people who make Newcastle such a great sporting city. For decades he has been a passionate advocate for sport in our region, particularly for his beloved Newcastle Olympic Football Club, which he helped create in 1976 and played for in its very first match.

Con was honoured for his lifelong work at the grassroots level of sport. He has created opportunities, supported sporting organisations and, importantly, encouraged generations of young Novocastrians to get involved in sport. That matters, because sport is about so much more than what happens on the field.

It builds confidence; it creates friendships; it teaches teamwork, resilience and determination; and it brings our community together. Newcastle has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing talented athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers, and people like Con Gounis are a very big reason why. That is why I was delighted to have secured funding to upgrade the Darling Street Oval and support Newcastle Olympic as the club continues to grow.

They've got a fabulous women's team that's now entering the competition. I want to congratulate Con and thank him for everything he has done and continues to do for sporting communities right across Newcastle. This honour is thoroughly well deserved.