CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (10:10): The Hunter is the best wine region in the world. We all know it in this building, locals know it and anyone who has ever enjoyed a glass of Hunter semillon or Hunter shiraz knows it as well. It's a region built by hardworking families, strong communities and people who have spent generations perfecting their craft.
Our winemakers don't just produce outstanding wine; they carry on a proud tradition, create thousands of local jobs, and put the Hunter on the map across Australia and around the world. Today, I want to recognise one of the legends of our region, Bruce Tyrrell. Bruce has been inducted into the James Halliday Hall of Fame.
It's the highest honour awarded by the Halliday Wine Companion, and I can't think of anyone more deserving than Bruce. Bruce is the fourth generation of the Tyrrell family to carry on their winemaking story. He's dedicated his entire life to the Hunter Valley and the Australian wine industry.
Through hard work, determination and love for our region, Bruce has helped the Tyrrell name become one of the most respected names in Australian wine. But Bruce's contribution goes well beyond the bottle. He spent decades seeking out and perfecting the Hunter's best vineyard sites.
Because of that work, our viticultural heritage has been preserved for future generations. That means the old vines, the soils and the special character of the Hunter wine will continue to be enjoyed for many, many years to come. Bruce has always understood that when the Hunter succeeds, everyone benefits.
He's been a fierce advocate for our region and has always put the greater good of the wine community first. His son Chris, the fifth generation of the Tyrrell family, said his dad's body of work was matched by very few and that Bruce has always put others before himself. That says plenty about the man we're honouring today.
The team at Halliday described Bruce as one of the greatest and they are dead right. Bruce joins the hall of fame because of a lifetime of service, leadership and achievement. But here in the Hunter, he's already been part of the hall of fame for a very long time.
This award isn't just a proud moment for Bruce and the Tyrrell family. It's a proud moment for Pokolbin, and it's a proud moment for our growers, our cellar door workers, our tourism operators and every person who has helped make the Hunter wine industry what it is today. So on behalf of our entire Hunter community, on behalf of the Australian wine industry, congratulations Bruce Tyrrell.
Thank you for backing the Hunter. Thank you for preserving its history and helping build its future. You're an absolute legend, Bruce.
It's an honour well deserved, and I look forward to having a glass with you soon. Cheers, buddy.