Tuesday, 12 May 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:13): It was an absolute privilege to attend the closing ceremony at the third Australian International Martial Arts Festival held in Box Hill and Nunawading in my region on Sunday 10 May. Walking into the venue you could immediately feel the energy and the deep sense of tradition that tai chi and other martial arts bring to our community. This was not just a local tournament; it was a world-class gathering that put Box Hill and Nunawading right at the centre of the international stage. We were honoured to welcome competitors who travelled from across the globe to be here. Seeing athletes of all ages, from young students finding their focus to seasoned masters, was truly inspiring. To have such a high calibre of expertise, including world-renowned grandmasters, right here in the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region is a testament to the strength and reputation of this festival. Martial arts is about so much more than physical skill; it is about discipline, respect and the perseverance to keep showing up and doing the work. Those values were on full display in every match and every demonstration we witnessed over the weekend. I want to extend a huge congratulations to the organisers, and particularly Master Wendy, for coordinating such a massive international event. To the participants who competed with such heart: whether you were a local student or an international visitor, you made this festival a resounding success. Thank you for having me, and I look forward to seeing this event continue to grow and thrive in years to come.