CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms BERRY (Whitlam) (09:45): It's Youth Voice in Parliament week, and today I rise to deliver a speech which was written by a young person in my electorate, Sofia on sports participation and the cost of living. Sofia writes: There are few things Australians love more than sport. Sport keeps us active and healthy.
It helps us make friends. It teaches teamwork, confidence and how to be part of a community. But not every child gets the chance to play.
For many families, the cost of sport is becoming too high. Registration can cost $100 or more. Then there are uniforms, shoes and equipment on top of that.
I don't think a child should miss out because their family cannot afford it. My idea is a $100 Fit Kids Voucher for every Australian child under 18. It would help pay the registration fee for one organised sport each year.
It could also work alongside the support already offered by state governments. The federal voucher could help cover registration, while state vouchers could help families with the remaining costs, such as equipment, uniforms or extra fees. That means governments would be working together towards the same goal: getting more kids involved in sport.
My hope is simple No child should have to watch from the sidelines because sport costs too much. Every Australian kid deserves the chance to get active, join a team and get in the game. It's an excellent speech.
Well done, Sofia. I also rise to pay tribute to Dorothy 'Dot' Robinson, who I had the great pleasure of meeting late last year and who sadly passed away recently. Dot's story is truly inspiring.
As an amputee and a senior citizen, Dot thought she would never be able to participate in an amazing international cycling tournament, but she did so. She was supported by her aged-care provider, Harbison, in the Southern Highlands part of my electorate of Whitlam. Harbison has been supporting its residents to compete in an event called Road Worlds for Seniors.
Thousands of participants like Dot from all around the world connect and compete on exercise bikes, pedalling long distances on a virtual cycling course. Dot was determined and competitive. Where others may have seen an obstacle, Dot saw an opportunity.
She inspired others. She had multiple trophies and medals and was deeply proud of her achievements. Through sheer determination and incredible grit, she achieved second place overall in the women's worldwide leaderboard during the 2021 competition.
Dot set an example for those around her, and, to honour Dot's legacy, Harbison staff are taking part in a tribute ride for Dot during this year's Road Worlds for Seniors. They'll cycle a total of 2,300 kilometres during October—Dot's personal best. May Dot's memory and the way she inspired others live on.