Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to acknowledge the Woolgoolga United Football Club, who this year are celebrating their 50th birthday. The first senior men's team was formed in 1971, and in 1975 they won their first premiership. They had only one team for the first six years, and then in 1977 formed a reserve grade side. From 1979, games were played at the high school. The first women's team was formed in 1999, and Kim Batty has played in the women's team since it was formed, making this year her 29th year playing first grade footy for the Woolgoolga football club. Now, in 2021, the club has over 400 players registered across 27 teams and is one of the largest clubs in the Coffs district.

The club also established the Harmeet Shetra Memorial Shield in memory of club member Harmeet Shetra. This special event, organised by Gurminder Singh, is held once a year at the Clive Joass Memorial Sports Park.

I thank the current committee, which includes President Peter Knott; Vice President Kim Batty; Secretary Bec Smart; Treasurer and Registrar Jada Johnson; social media, Patrick Mullan; publicity, Holly Stapleton; Summer 6's president Dave King and Junior Vice President Rob Barselaar; Sponsorship Coordinator Alex Bodnar; and committee members Brett Nudd and Teresa King.

I would also like to acknowledge the life members, who again include Kim Batty, and Michael Jackson, Andy Muir, Ian Whiteman, Mark Drew, Rob Barselaar, Bill Robertson, Peter Davey and Michael Lamont. Congratulations to the Woolgoolga United Footie Club and happy birthday on your 50th birthday.

I'd like to acknowledge Pauline Wagner, who has been named the New South Wales Female Community Coach of the Year by New South Wales Rugby League. Pauline has played for many years, but this is her first year coaching the Kyogle Turkeys ladies league tag team. Pauline received the award for her passion and drive to promote women's tag competitions in our region. She also encourages those of all skills to get involved in the game. Junior and senior football has experienced a 30 per cent growth in female participation in New South Wales since 2019. Pauline received a personal video message from Brad Fittler, New South Wales Blues coach, to let her know she had won and to congratulate her. Congratulations, Pauline, on such a tremendous achievement, and thank you for putting in the work and being an inspirational person for young women in our community.