Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham) (13:05): I rise to celebrate two extraordinary women in the north-west who have contributed so much to local community sport.

Firstly, Anne-Marie Mason has for the past 15 years taken on various leadership roles at the Hillside Sharks Football Club: team photographer, team manager and team treasurer. In 2017 she organised the first ladies round and produced the first ladies-themed jumper to support the Breast Cancer Network Australia and raise awareness of violence against women. She also led the first Indigenous round in 2022 and the first Pride round in 2023. She has made remarkable change to the club. She was also awarded life membership in 2024. She has mentored so many young men and women at the club, and I know that they will really miss her as she steps away from her roles. I want to say a huge thankyou for the many, many hours that she has put into the club.

The other woman I want to celebrate is Natalie Roberts, who has been a coach of gymnastics for 40 ‍years – what a remarkable and outstanding achievement. In that time she has coached state teams and national champions and she has travelled overseas and interstate with her teams. She has even coached her own daughter and no doubt will coach her own granddaughter soon. Congrats, Nat, on an incredible 40 years. So proud to call you my friend. Best of luck at Niddrie Gymnastics.