Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (09:33):

 I had the pleasure of attending this year's Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, a night that celebrates the people and the businesses that keep our community moving. These are locals who are open early, who close late and who back our region every single day, creating jobs, supporting families and helping our towns thrive.

A shout-out to this year's winners: the outstanding employee award went to Jade Gray from Flying Colours Education; outstanding young business leader was awarded to Quyen Nguyen from Dental Folk; outstanding business leader went to Peter Haynes from Northern New South Wales Football—well done, Haynesy; outstanding visitor experience was awarded to Matt Hall Racing; employer of choice went to Move About Therapy Services Warners Bay; excellence in innovation went to Fire Response; excellence in sustainability went to Northern New South Wales Football; outstanding new business went to Showtime Kayaking; excellence and diversity and inclusion went to Dynamic Business Technologies; outstanding community organisation went again to Northern New South Wales Football—they cleaned up that night; excellence in micro business went to Psyborg; excellence in small business went to Yard Kings Brewing—and it is beautiful beer, may I say; excellence in large business went to Agility Professional Tree Service; Origin Energy's people's choice award went to 8 at Trinity—congratulations to Keith and Natalie; and the big one, business of the year, went to the amazing Matt Hall Racing. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. It's groups like you that keep the Hunter what it is. Thank you.

Speaking of local pride, it's not just our businesses that are kicking goals. The same drive and determination we see in local entrepreneurs can also be found in our young athletes. I want to recognise some outstanding young sports stars from the Hunter, recently celebrated by the Hunter Academy of Sport. Every year, the academy's Athlete of the Year and Rising Star awards shine a light on the next generation of talent in our region. This year's recipients show exactly why the Hunter has such a proud sporting reputation.

Firstly, Zac West from Cessnock has been turning heads in Aussie Rules footy. His attitude and commitment to the game are a credit to his club and the community. Then there's Addyson Kirby, also from Cessnock, making her mark in basketball. Her drive and leadership on the court inspires her teammates and other young women in sport. Ameka Melmeth from Cameron Park is another talent rising extremely fast in basketball. Her work ethic and skill are on show, and she will go a long, long way. Finally, we have Lleythan Jenkinson from Kilaben Bay. He's proving himself one to watch in tennis. His achievements already speak volumes about where his future might take him.

I say to the Hunter Academy of Sport, the coaches, the parents and volunteers, thank you very much. Behind every athlete is a team that gives their time, energy and encouragement. None of this happens without you. Thank you.