CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr HOGAN (Page—Deputy Manager of Opposition Business) (10:23): I congratulate Lawrence local Holly Nehls, who has been named the 2026 Northern Rivers Young Volunteer of the Year. Holly is an outstanding apprentice diesel mechanic and a dedicated volunteer with the Lawrence brigade of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. She gives her time to support our community both on the fire line helping protect lives and property and behind the scenes providing important operational support.
Holly received the award at the Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year Awards in Tweed Heads. The awards recognise the enormous contribution volunteers make to our communities across the region. Holly will now be invited to represent the Northern Rivers at the New South Wales Volunteer of the Year state gala in Sydney later this year.
Congratulations, Holly, on this well-deserved award, and thank you for everything you do for our community. I give a happy birthday shout-out to the Coraki Golf Club. It was 100 years old this year.
The club was established in 1926 and began a course carved out around the Coraki showground. The first clubhouse was a tent. The first club championships were held in 1928 and won by Reg Davis.
Over the decades, many locals have shaped the club. Earl Scurr, Graham Smith and Alf Leeson established the cadet golf club in 1970, and Jim Ormond established the veterans club in 1983. I also recognise Lola Clarke, who was the first woman to receive life membership of the club.
Coraki Golf Club has endured floods, droughts and enormous change over the past 100 years. Volunteers today continue to maintain the course and keep the club running. In acknowledging the President, Greg Scurr, and Secretary, Steve Toms, I acknowledge all the committee members of this great club over the last 100 years.
Happy 100th birthday to the Grafton CWA. The branch held its first meeting on 5 October 1926 and, since then, generations of country women have dedicated their time to supporting the Grafton community. Their contribution is fantastic, from fundraising for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Salvation Army and local women's refuges to supporting communities through natural disasters and contributing to regional medical research.
Congratulations to life member, Marie Mackenzie; branch patron, Ruth Melouney; and the Centenary Committee: Sharron Davison, Janice Wilkinson, Narelle Saunders, Wendy Prowd, Loretta Lancaster, Carmon McFawn, Anne Hindley, Annette Douglas, Anne McLellan and Lyn Harris. The branch has marked its centenary with a wonderful cookbook featuring members' favourite recipes.
I unfortunately couldn't get there, but Karen got there and said it was a wonderful celebration and acknowledgement for the wonderful work they've been doing for 100 years.