A Private Members Statement delivered on 17 October, 2023, by the Member for Keira, the Hon. Ryan Park MP.
Mr RYAN PARK (Keira) (18:38): As the winter season comes to an end, I recognise some of our local teams for their outstanding achievements during the 2023 football season. The Illawarra is a fantastic place for athletes to get involved and be immersed in our strong local sporting culture. The 2023 season has undoubtedly been a great time for football in New South Wales. From the success of the FIFA Women's World Cup through to a booming local season, participation in sport has been higher than ever, especially for our local women's clubs. That is important to both the member for Wollongong and me.
I take this opportunity to give a special shout-out to all the clubs in and around the Keira electorate and across the Illawarra region, which have just wrapped up a successful season. I am pleased to inform the House that Fernhill Football Club in the member for Wollongong's electorate had an outstanding season, coming out on top in the Illawarra district league first grade grand final last month. Fernhill had an incredible finish in 2022, ending the season just a match win away from finals footy. They were able to seal the deal this year and come away with a grand final win. I congratulate the Fernhill Football Club and wish the best of luck to the mighty Foxes for the next season.
The Tarrawanna Blueys Football Club, which I have been involved in for a long time, has come away with an impressive victory, claiming a spot in the finals for the first time since 2020. After missing out for the past few seasons, the Tarrawanna Blueys can now claim the title of champions after their win in the premier league second grade grand final against the Helensburgh Thistles from my neighbour to the north the member for Heathcote. I congratulate the Tarrawanna Blueys and look forward to seeing them continue with that momentum in the 2024 season.
We have had some fantastic results in our men's division; however, it is our women's teams who have absolutely dominated this past season, starting with the Woonona Sharks Football Club. The Sharkies have had a phenomenal season, claiming premiers of the league and securing a grand final appearance. After falling just short in the women's premier league first grade grand final, the Sharkies are now competing in the Football NSW Champion of Champions tournament. With only four teams remaining, the Sharks are a few goals away from being named the best team in New South Wales in the all ages women's division and capping off an incredible season. From all members in this place, including the member for Wollongong and the other Illawarra MPs, I say well done to the Sharkies. Another team along our coast, the Russell Vale Football Club, saw its taste of finals footy with a win in the women's division second grade grand final for the green-and-white cobras. I congratulate the Russell Vale Football Club and wish it the best for the next season. I have had a lot to do with the club over the past 12 years.
I also take this opportunity to congratulate all our junior sporting clubs, which is where our athletes experience their first taste of success. I take great pride in knowing that residents and families across my electorate in the Illawarra are continuing to get involved in our local sporting clubs and that many of our foundation clubs are still thriving, with registration numbers on the rise. I am pleased to inform the House that Bulli Junior Football Club, Balgownie Junior Football Club, Fernhill Junior Football Club, Thirroul Junior Football Club, Figtree Football Club and the University of Wollongong Football Club all had teams make the junior finals during the 2023 season. That outstanding achievement shows the promising number of junior athletes in our electorate and a potential few Matildas or Socceroos stars in the making.
Lastly, I am overjoyed to inform the House that our Illawarra Hawks under-14s girls have created history in their recent win at the national championships. They have become the first New South Wales country team to take out the gold medal. After becoming State champions for the first time in 11 years, the team are now crowned the best in the nation. This is an incredible achievement that all the athletes, staff, families and friends should be immensely proud of. As female sport is still sweeping the nation, the Illawarra Hawks under-14s girls can now write their names in the history books as well. From all members in this place—including my mate the Minister and member for Wollongong—I congratulate all our athletes, clubs, staff, family and friends for their exceptional efforts during the 2023 season. I wish them all the best for the next season.
