A division of the Liberal Party of Australia
CROC FESTIVAL
19 July, 2006
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Well, thank you Mr. Chairman for the invitation to say a few words.
First of all Noah can I thank you and the traditional owners for your welcome to your country. The warmth of your welcome on behalf of the elders and families of the traditional owners will ensure that the work being done here in Weipa today to help our younger generation will have positive results.
Peter Sjoquist, to you and your team my congratulations on a magnificent festival that will improve the lives of the people of the Cape and Gulf Regions. I attended the very first of these Croc Festivals in Weipa in 1997, or was it 1998 Peter? but they have certainly improved since those earlier days and it is wonderful to see so many people participating in so many useful and worthwhile activities, all related to their self esteem, the need to stay at school and learn to ensure productive and healthy lives in the future.
These things just don’t happen and Peter you and your team have been just magnificent and your team includes a wonderful Australian who I am so proud and honoured to be in the same company as her. Yvonne Goolagong is one of those committing herself to the future of young people in these areas and it is just sensational that someone who has been not only a leader on the tennis court but as a role model for many young people over a long period time is just wonderful. It is indeed a real pleasure and honour to meet with you Yvonne and thank you for what you do.
The Australian Government is very pleased to be associated with the Croc Festivals providing as Peter has said over $3,000.000.00 in financial support to the activity but I know that the Ministers who provide this money, Julie Bishop the Education Minister, Noel Brough the Indigenous Affairs Minister and Joe Hockey the Human Services Minister know that their money is well spent when the achievements gained by these Festivals which research, done in Townsville evidently, shows do make a difference.
All the money and all the good organisation does not produce the activity you see here today.
Peter, I want to pay special tribute to the local community, all those many, many community people who have really made this week happen for the young people of this region and indeed the far north and the Torres Strait together.
You have done a mighty job, without your commitment and hard work these functions wouldn’t have happened. You have made this bigger and better than ever and I salute you for your work and commitment. Well done.
Again Peter my congratulations and best wishes to all of those involved. I am sure this Festival will really make a difference and long may these Croc Festivals continue, long may they continue to do the good things that we all so desperately want for the young people of the north. Well Done.