Thursday, 13 November 2025

 Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (09:47): I will say it again: in Mildura, we put food on your plate and champions on racetracks. Josh Waters capped off another incredible season in fine style, winning his fifth Australian Superbike Championship during qualifying at The Bend over the weekend. About 150 of us from Mildura went over to South Australia to show our support for this universally loved champion, who is the only person in the history of the world ever to win five ASBK championships. We do not even have a road track in Mildura – so, council, what are you doing about that motorsport strategy? In true Josh style, he was back at work on Tuesday, running his small business and just carrying on with life. You are a true champion.

On the water, the Mildura Dragon Boat Club paddled their way to victory at the Australian Masters Games in Canberra, bringing home a gold, two silver and a bronze medal and showcasing the strength, teamwork and spirit that define our regional sporting community and the people of all ages and backgrounds who love it.

In Ouyen, Alex Look of Ouyen Pharmacy has been recognised as the 2025 International Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmacy Innovation Assembly, which is an extraordinary achievement and shines a global spotlight on rural health excellence and innovation.

Finally, congratulations to Garraway Developments, winners of the Housing Industry Australia Victoria award for Specialised Housing, a credit to their craftsmanship, innovation and commitment to accessible, quality design.

From the racetrack to the river and from the dispensary to the drafting table, Mildura continues to punch well above its weight, and I could not be prouder of these achievements and the people behind them.