ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:28): My question is to the Premier. Premier, noting your ongoing support for the Thunderbirds, I am wondering whether you can advise the house on what we would expect to be an inspirational role of the Thunderbirds netballers following their premiership win in this year's ANZ Championship?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier will answer the question.

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:28): I have to say how proud I am, not only of the Thunderbirds, but I am also very pleased to have been involved with netball for many years as a former vice-president of Garville and also as a former patron of the Ravens and now of course as patron of the Thunderbirds. I am pleased that there were a number of people who were watching the Thunderbirds for their ANZ Championship win.

As patron, I want to offer my congratulations in this place on doing our state proud. The Thunderbirds beat the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic by 10 goals with an outstanding grand final display at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday 11 July. Those of us who were courtside for the victory know that the atmosphere was electric with a full house of more than 9,000 people cheering on every goal and intercept. The premiership win capped off an outstanding season for the Thunderbirds and added to their remarkable record over the past 14 seasons.

It is my memory that since 1997 we have not seen the Thunderbirds come in less than third. Three years ago they came third, last year they came second and, after a titanic victory in the semi-finals over the Sydney Swifts, who were the hot favourites, they went on to face Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic. It is an area that I know well, having been raised in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty and of course having played rugby in the Waikato.

This record highlights the club's thoroughly professional approach, as well as the athleticism and dedication of the players. The Thunderbirds' domination of season 2010 is reflected in the national squad from which Australia's Commonwealth Games team will be selected. I know how much the chief minister of Delhi is looking forward to those games, as are we.

Six Thunderbirds players were named in that preliminary squad of 22 this week. In addition, rising star Sharni Layton was recently the ANZ Championship's best young player. It was terrific to have the opportunity to meet Sharni at a recent afternoon tea for ambassadors of the Premier's Reading Challenge and the Premier's Be Active Challenge.

I announce today that the Adelaide Thunderbirds have joined the Adelaide Crows and Port Power as our newest ambassador teams for the Premier's Reading Challenge and the Be Active Challenge. They will help to inspire young South Australians to be more active as well as read more books. The three sporting teams join Adelaide United and the Link Lightning as team ambassadors for the challenge.

The Thunderbirds netballers will also act as inspiring role models for the sport of netball, which continues to grow in popularity. The sport has more than 90,000 participants in South Australia and is the third most popular sport in this state behind Australian Rules and tennis. Netball is a foundation pillar of so many communities, particularly in regional areas, and this premiership win will only enhance the game's popularity and appeal.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Too much noise.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I am sure that all members will join me in recognising the Thunderbirds' grand final triumph: a success that was thoroughly deserved.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!