Wednesday, 28 October 2026

House of Representatives

Mr Tim Wilson MP:

I know there's nothing better at the start of warmer weather than the sailing season. That's right—the warmer weather is bringing across Port Phillip the sailing season for yet another year. From Brighton to Beaumaris, Port Phillip comes alive.

 Juniors are heading out in their first boats, but the boats don't just launch themselves and races don't just run themselves, because behind every sail and past every regatta and every sausage sizzle is a volunteer who has given up their time.

So let's celebrate them: at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, acting commodore Grant Dow and his committee, Andy Holmes, Brett Heath, Paul Jackson, Keith Badger, Murray Cowdell, Karen Johns, Simon Lynch, Bronwyn McIlveen and Paul Tadich; at Sandy Yacht Club, commodore Cathryn Furey and the committee, Dean Robson, Greg Winnett Stephen Lynch, John Neville, Jonathan Dewar, Jordan Commins, Debbie Parker, John Strahan, Andrew Wilson and Dave Suda; at the great Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron, where I was only the other day, commodore John Giuliano and the committee, Wayne Paravicini, Cameron Bean, Harry Petsios, Peter Clinch, Julie Ahern, Hein Preller and Graeme Woolacott; at the Beaumaris Yacht Club, where I presented a flag, commodore Evan Chapman and the committee, Mark Harrick, Will Sharp, Katherine Kemp, Stephen McMillan, Peter Sharp, Lachlan Sharp, Alison Kemp, Judy Taylor, Phil Connard and Andrea Barber; at the Hampton Sailing Club, fresh from celebrating their incredible achievement of more years, commodore David Rooney and the committee, Eddy De Geest, Paul Clarke, Deb Stephenson, Frank Leipper, David Briggs and William Brown; and at the Black Rock Yacht Club, where I was on Saturday, commodore Nik Wallis and the committee, John Sammons, Morwenna Griffiths, Peter Tovey and Andre Blasse. Thank you, every one of you, for your volunteer efforts.

And now, to everybody who is engaging in the season, let us bless the fleet. Lord Jesus, we are grateful to You for the abundance of the sea and the life it contains. We ask that our fishermen be blessed with good health, strength and courage as they embark on their journey. May they be guided by the Holy Spirit and return home safely with many a bountiful catch. We also pray for the safety of all those who work around the sea. May they be protected from harm and danger, and may their families be comforted in their absence. We especially think of our fishing and boating committees and staff, who guide and bless us in serving and caring for us faithfully. As we bless our fleet today, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Let us honour their legacy by continuing to work hard and by being good stewards of the sea that God Himself has given us. May God bless our fleet and all those who sail upon her. Amen. What a beautiful basis to wish everybody a happy and safe sailing season and, of course, to bring people together on the safety of Port Phillip.