Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:44): What a spectacular day we shared this past Sunday at Eastfield Park. As the sun set on the 2026 Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival it was clear that the spirit of the highlands is not just alive and well here in Victoria, it is thriving. From the stirring opening notes of the Victorian pipe bands to the energy of the dancing stages, Sunday was a masterclass in heritage and community as we saw many a pipe band fill the air with the soul of Scotland. But for many the heart of the day was found in the heavy events arena. We watched in awe as athletes pushed the limits of human strength and endurance, carrying forward traditions that are centuries old. I want to extend my congratulations to this year’s champions: in the open men’s category, Terry Sparkes; lightweight men’s category, Craig Harrison; open women’s category, Lexie Kermond; masters men’s 40-plus, Sean Poole; masters women’s 40-plus, Kel Glaister; and masters men’s 50-plus, Craig Monument. To the committee and in particular Alistair McInnes, the volunteers, the competitors and everyone who donned their clan’s tartan this year I want to extend my heartfelt thanks. You turned Eastfield Park into a sea of culture and camaraderie. Whether you were there for the heavy games, the haggis or the haunting sound of the pipes, you helped make the 2026 games a year for the history books, and I cannot wait to see you all back again there next year. Slàinte mhath.