National Calisthenics Championships

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:27): I am pleased to report to the house today my recent attendance at the 29^th Australian Calisthenics Federation National Competition held in Sydney between 5 and 8 July. As ACF national patron and a CASA life member, I can say it is one of my happiest associations. Calisthenics is a sport that offers so much, and it is such an honour to be associated with such a wide national network, united in making so much available to young people in their care. The opportunities and life skills calisthenics offers are immense and I am truly in awe of the professionalism I have witnessed over the past 20 years since my first involvement.

The sport is moving with the times in every way, and all involved are to be commended. This year, it was more national than ever, with teams from all states and territories, save Tasmania, travelling to compete over the four days at the NIDA auditorium in Sydney. NIDA became calisthenics central and, with the modern wonders of live streaming, the competition had the widest possible audience. The last nationals held in New South Wales were in 1996, so for many it was the very first time they had been involved in calisthenics in that state. Thanks must go to the ACF President, Liz Kratzel, Director of Competitions, Anita Roser, and all the committee of management and council delegates.

Competitions take a great deal of organisation, and this one was no exception. Whatever the venue, they all bring different challenges, but the calisthenics fraternity are no strangers to adaptation and things are always 'alright on the night', as they say. Calisthenics is amazing in that it has always paid attention to detail in the most impressive way and the logistical skills are outstanding. Mountains of costuming, props and competitors arrive and depart at appropriate times and no matter what is happening backstage, front-of-house moves along without much more than the odd technical hitch.

This year, the Australian Capital Territory sent 55 girls in three teams, New South Wales sent 26 in two teams, the Northern Territory sent 24 in two teams, Victoria sent 93 in four teams, Western Australia sent 82 in four teams, Queensland sent 28 in two teams, and South Australia sent 79 in four teams, one of our juniors being Olivia Gilmore Rankine, the granddaughter of the member for Wright.

It is indeed a happy moment for me to know that one of my colleagues has had the chance to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle that calisthenics provides and perhaps share a little of my passion for the sport. As parliament was sitting, it was not possible for me to arrive before Friday, meaning that I had missed the Gracefuls, Solos, Duos and Sub-juniors comps. From what I heard, when I arrived, it was a magnificent competition up to that point.

Sub-juniors had five states and territories competing, with Western Australia first, closely followed by South Australia with ACT third. Juniors saw seven states and territories with Victoria a clear winner, Western Australia second, ACT third, and South Australia close behind in fourth in a very even competition overall. Inters had four states competing with Victoria first just ahead of Western Australia, South Australia third and Queensland fourth. Seniors had five states and territories in competition with ACT first, WA second, Victoria third and South Australia fourth.

The standard was high and all these results would indicate that, on a national level, there is a very healthy degree of competitive pride on show, with each girl and each team doing their very best not only to win their place in the team but to go on and represent their state or territory to the best of their ability. It is this ideal of being a great team member that is one of the skills that calisthenics girls carry into their future lives.

I must mention, too, that the adjudicators have one of the toughest jobs at competitions. Even the slightest little thing could make the difference between a winning or losing performance, and with such amazing artistic coaching, costumes and props, the task becomes even harder as the level of competition improves each year. We must thank, too, the writers for all they do to make the competitions run smoothly. I would like to congratulate every state and territory on sending their beautiful teams and I would like to thank also CASA in South Australia and Carolyn Fortune for organising my time while in Sydney.

Each state or territory body has a large voluntary group behind it doing all the tasks necessary to keep local clubs going and to ensure that calisthenics is the best it can be. Parents give their (mostly) daughters the opportunity to be involved in an activity that is healthy and promotes healthy lifestyles and outcomes. This is a real gift for life and the beginning of lifelong friendships, as we see more than ever now with masters calisthenics being an ever greater, growing part of the calisthenics calendar.

The backstage contribution of the dads deserves a mention too. Each state sent a crack team to help out. I would like to put on notice to my thanks to John Maguire, who is the president, and all at Calisthenics South Australia. Thank you for allowing me to continue as your patron. You are a credit to yourselves and do so much for your sport and your state. I really look forward to being associated with you in the years to come and to finally seeing the Royalty Theatre brought up to scratch.