Lake Macquarie Rowing Club

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—I'd like to acknowledge the excellent work of the volunteers at Lake Macquarie Rowing Club at Booragul who have worked tirelessly to promote and develop their sport in Lake Macquarie. Rowing is a sport that is accessible to all members of the community and builds support networks, improves physical and mental wellbeing and provides a safe and enjoyable activity for the community to participate in. At a time when we're seeing an increase in mental health issues and feelings of social isolation due to the current health pandemic, the importance of sports like rowing cannot be undervalued. In particular, I'd like to acknowledge the efforts of the club's Boat Captain, 79-year-old Ray Beeton. For 32 years Ray has done everything from coaching junior and senior crews to overseeing regattas and building things like storage racks for the club's boats, but it's his work on maintaining and repairing the fleet that he's to be most commended on. Without Ray's tireless efforts the club would not be able to facilitate rowing for new and established members. I commend Ray and all of the volunteers who make the great club what it is.