Thursday, 17 October 2024

 Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services) (10:06): I rise to acknowledge and congratulate two exceptional athletes from the Macedon electorate who this year represented Australia on the world stage at the Paris Olympics and at the Paris Paralympics.

Congratulations to Lauretta Hanson from Fern Hill, a local cycling superstar who competed in the Olympic women’s road race. Lauretta, along with fellow Victorians Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, made Australia enormously proud. At just 29 Lauretta finished an impressive 22nd in the event. Having grown up in a farm in Fern Hill and attended Tylden Primary School, Lauretta developed a passion for cycling early on, riding her bike around the bush tracks. Lauretta’s dedication to the sport was inspired by her mother Heather, an elite cyclist in the 1970s and 80s.

Congratulations also to Patrick French from Romsey, who represented Australia in archery at the Paralympics. Competing in challenging conditions, Patrick narrowly missed advancing in his event, losing by just two points, 140–138, in the elimination round. Patrick’s determination and resilience, particularly after a workplace accident in 2015 left him with life-altering injuries, is an absolute testament to his spirit. To have reached the Paralympic Games is a remarkable achievement, and Patrick inspires so many.

Both Lauretta and Patrick have made our local community proud, and I commend them for their outstanding achievements on the world stage.