Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)— Skate boarding is a sport that is growing in popularity and prestige, with its provisional approval by the International Olympic Committee for inclusion at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

It is also a big winner with the youths of Lake Macquarie. Congratulations to Russell Grundy on being named the 2023 Lake Mac Sports Leader Award for his contributions to the local skateboarding community. It was my pleasure to present the award to Russell, who was recognised for his outstanding contribution to sporting life in Lake Macquarie at the Lake Mac Awards on 11 March 2023.

A two‑ time Australian skateboarding champion, Russell has turned his expertise on the board to design and towards encouraging engagement in the sport. In Lake Macquarie, Russell has designed and helped to activate local skate parks and inspired a love of the sport in more young people.

In 2022, Russell held 14 youth events at local skateparks during his busy schedule, which includes judging competitions around the country and the globe. Russell was recently an Oceania judge at the 2024 Olympics pathway held by World Skate in Rome, and Lake Macquarie is very fortunate to have his expertise available.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!