Tuesday, 16 August 2022

 Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (12:44): I wish to acknowledge the many talented athletes from Eastern Victoria who had some fantastic wins at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. There were six athletes from my electorate who donned the green and gold at this year’s games; many of them have returned with medals or personal bests and some have even set Commonwealth Games records. Congratulations to Eileen Cikamatana from Nepean, who claimed gold for Australia in the women’s 87-kilo weightlifting division. Eileen set a new commonwealth record of 255 kilos across her lifts and is the first woman to win gold for two different nations. Congratulations also to Amy Lawton, who grew up in Emerald and started her hockey journey at Casey, for bringing home a silver after the Hockeyroos came second to England in the final. Morwell’s Emily Beecroft also returned with a silver for the 100-metre freestyle. Caitlin Parker from Nepean won a bronze in the boxing ring, and Emily Whitehead, also from Nepean, returned with a silver and bronze for artistic gymnastics. Harrison Cassar of Rosebud won himself a bronze after a nailbiting judo contest. The dedication, strength and commitment of our Aussie athletes are admirable. Each and every one of them has made our country proud in getting to the games and giving it their all. Congratulations again to all of our athletes.