Andrew Leigh

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1 JUNE 2021

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Mr Speaker, it was a pleasure to catch up with you in your suite this morning to discuss the work of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. Since it was founded in 2009 by Rob de Castella, over a hundred young Indigenous leaders have gone through the program. I've been inspired by graduates such as Charlie Maher, the first to cross the finishing line in the New York marathon; Joyrah Newman and Hope Davison in this year's squad; and Nat Heath, one of the first Aussies to compete in the Hawaii Ironman.

Tomorrow morning, members and senators from both sides will be joining Rob de Castella and young Indigenous runners for a run to mark Reconciliation Week. This Sunday, I'll be lining up at the start line of the Cairns Ironman—a 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre cycle and a 42.2-kilometre run—to raise money for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. I hope members and senators on both sides might follow your generous example, Mr Speaker, of making a donation to the Indigenous Marathon Foundation so they can continue their terrific work.

ENDS

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.