Australian Calisthenics Federation

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:24): As national patron, I was honoured to attend several days of the Australian Calisthenics Federation competitions, this year held in Perth at an amazing venue, the Kingsway Christian College auditorium. This theatre is way beyond anything I have seen in this state and, as the owners of the Royalty Theatre, the Calisthenic Association of South Australia can only wonder why there is so little support for the infrastructure of the home of our wonderful sport in this state, especially when you consider the Royalty Theatre's importance in the arts community as a medium-sized theatre—but that, of course, is another story.

Congratulations and thanks go to the amazing ACF president, Liz Kratzel, the amazing director of competitions, Anita Roser, the equally amazing ACF committee of management and council delegates for all their work on behalf of our sport. Also, congratulations must go to the Calisthenics Association of Western Australia, their president, Sandra Gosling, national conveners Lisa Ruecroft and Faye Walmsley, the national committee and stage manager, Christine Polglaze, and a huge number of organisers and volunteers—too many to mention—who made the smooth-running event so special and memorable for all.

These were our first nationals without Joy Smith, a national icon of calisthenics. Joy suddenly passed away on 14 February this year surrounded by her loving family, and we thank them for sharing her with us for all the years they did. Whilst her home state was Victoria and it was her first love in calisthenics, Joy was definitely committed to supporting all states and gave freely of her time to help them in areas of need. She truly loved the ACF national competitions and was a strong support at each and every Pan Pacific Masters games. Her physical presence at these events will be strongly missed, but she will always be in our hearts and there in spirit.

This year's adjudicators—Karen Hicks from South Australia, Gaye Parker from Western Australia, Michelle Urquhart from Victoria, and Kerryn Waddell, also from Victoria—had an enjoyable but unenviable task, ably assisted by their writers, over the subjunior, junior, intermediate and senior competitions, with reps from the following states and territories.

The ACT sent 20 competitors in one team, South Australia sent 90 competitors in four teams, Victoria sent 94 competitors in four teams and Western Australia sent 102 competitors in four teams. All states—except Tasmania, where calisthenics is yet to gain a toehold—including New South Wales, were represented in individual, duo and graceful competitions. Queensland and the Northern Territory will be attending the Northern Territory nationals, which will be next year.

The teams that competed are supported by coaches, team managers and chaperones, not to mention family and friends who travel to support their talented and creative competitors throughout the country. We must acknowledge the costume creators and wardrobe managers—the major task in calisthenics—and we also have a large contingent of calisthenics men, who take responsibility for the props that so enhance each item. These props travel from home states by truck and appear on stage magically as required. Calisthenics is a well-regulated and managed sport, and its organisational skills are without peer and on a par with the Olympics, if you sit back and have a look. They are an amazing group of people.

I am proud to report that the standard of competition was very high, and the artistry and skill of coaches and competitors in choreography was truly amazing, and excels year after year. Time today will only allow me a summary of results, and I refer those interested to the ACF website for a full breakdown of results. Teams from South Australia placed second in subbies, first in juniors and inters and third in seniors. Victoria was first in subbies, second in inters and seniors and third in juniors. Western Australia was third in subbies and inters, second in juniors and won seniors. The ACT was placed fourth in the intermediate section.

Many service awards were made to individuals, many from families with a lifetime commitment to calisthenics. Many of the 24 life members travelled from around Australia to witness the competitions, and I particularly want to mention SA expats—now ACT residents and representatives—Rex and Merryl Packer, and thank them for their many kindnesses over the years.

I would also like to mention the newest life member, South Australia's Carolyn Fortune, whose citation it was my pleasure to read to the audience present in the auditorium and watching via live streaming. Carolyn began at the age of four and competed in calisthenics until she was 36. She has coached for 40 years and is now a respected administrator of our sport.

Calisthenics here in South Australia remains one of the largest mass participation sports for girls. I am sad to say, men and boys do not compete in calisthenics anymore, but calisthenics originally came into being to keep men's wrists supple, which might be something they want to think about later on.

It is also a great sadness to me that not many Indigenous girls compete in calisthenics and that is something we will look at. I understand that cost is a barrier, but I really look forward to reporting to the house great steps forward in that capacity. I recommend that all of you take an interest in your local calisthenics clubs. Each of those girls has large family groups supporting them.

Mr BROWN: Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the house.

A quorum having been formed: