South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie) (13:22): I acknowledge the South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club at Sunshine and the extraordinary efforts of the club's volunteers.

The club recently hosted the NSW Youth Sailing Championships for the second year in a row, welcoming about 350 competitors and their boats from all corners of the State.

Lake Macquarie has produced some of the world's best sailors, including Olympic gold medallists and world champions. Much of that success is because of outstanding junior training programs run by clubs such as South Lake Macquarie.

This year the club is celebrating its seventieth anniversary.

Many people have made that possible, but I make special mention of Phil Evans, who recently stepped down as club president after 11 years in the job. Phil provided remarkable guidance, enthusiasm and commitment to the job and he has left big shoes for new president Doug Wilson to fill.

I congratulate everyone associated with the club and thank them for their outstanding contribution to the local community and to their sport.