CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms McBAIN (Eden-Monaro—Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management) (10:21): I rise today to congratulate the outstanding local businesses, local business leaders and organisations from across the mighty Eden-Monaro who are recognised at the recent South East New South Wales Business Awards. These businesses represent the very best of our region, and they are creating local jobs, driving economic growth, supporting communities and demonstrating the strength of regional Australia.
Congratulations to Adam Rigby from Jindy Windows and Property Services in Jindabyne, who won the outstanding employee award; Danielle Ghosn from Goulburn Organics, who received the award for outstanding business leader; and Matt Morrisesy from Embrace Disability Group in Queanbeyan, who was recognised as outstanding business leader. Embrace Disability Group had an exceptional night, taking out employer of choice, excellence in diversity and inclusion and the prestigious business of the year award.
Across the region, many other outstanding businesses were recognised for their achievements too, so congratulations to Southern Tablelands Electrical and Control in Goulburn for excellence in innovation; Braidwood Food Company for excellence in sustainability; the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre for outstanding visitor experience; Step 1 Physiotherapy in Goulburn for excellence in workplace health and wellbeing; Hextra in Jindabyne for excellence in trade, construction and manufacturing; Panache Financial in Goulburn for excellence in business and professional service; High Country Fitness in Jindabyne, awarded excellence in health, care and wellness industries; Pop Camp in Queanbeyan, recognised for excellence in microbusiness; Birchwood Jindabyne, winner of the excellence in small business award; and Growing Abilities in Goulburn, winner of the excellence in medium business award.
I also want to congratulate the tremendous contribution of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, which was awarded both outstanding local chamber and inducted into the hall of fame. That's a testament to the chamber's dedication to supporting local businesses and strengthening the local economy. These winners showcase the diversity, talent and determination that define Eden-Monaro.
They're all helping our region thrive. To all of this year's winners and finalists, thank you for everything that you do for our communities. I wish you every success as you go on and represent the mighty Eden-Monaro at the New South Wales state business awards in October.
We'll all be cheering you on. I rise today to recognise an outstanding athlete from Goulburn, Makayla Jones. In August, Makayla was selected for the Hockeyroos squad as they geared up for the Hockey World Cup campaign.
Makayla is the youngest member of the Australian squad, which is a testament to her exceptional talent and hard work. Makayla began her career with the Goulburn Ajax Colts Hockey Club and has represented Australia since 2022 as a member of Australia's national junior side, the Jillaroos, where she helped the team secure multiple gold medals. Just six months before the world cup, she made her debut for the Hockeyroos at the International Hockey Federation Pro League in Hobart.
Two other players from the Goulburn district also debuted at that tournament, and I extend my congratulations to Dylan Downey and Georgie Smithers on their achievements as well. On behalf of the people of Eden-Monaro, I congratulate Makayla on her incredible achievements, and I look forward to following her success in the green and gold— (Time expired)