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Mr GEORGE (Lismore) [6.23 p.m.]: I am sure that I have the indulgence of the House to recognise Scott Seamer's ride in the Melbourne Cup this afternoon. He started his apprenticeship with Ron Gosling, a trainer in Lismore, who saw the talent in that boy a long time ago. I had the pleasure of Scott riding a horse in which I had an interest. I recognise the confidence the trainer had in him, which he returned today. Last week I had the pleasure of attending St John's College Woodlawn, when year 12 students were presented with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I had the honour of presenting Peter Wood and Ryan Collins with their awards. I thank Glenn Roff, the Principal of St John's College Woodlawn, and Ted Davey, who runs the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, for inviting me back this year.
On the same day, 40 current and former staff were made honorary members of the Ex-students Association in recognition of their contribution to the school. The next day I attended the Kyogle High School. Mr Russell Grove, who is in the House and who is a former student of Kyogle High School, would be pleased to know that the Quota Club sponsored the Life Education Program, which will help young people handle any problems they may encounter. The Northern Rivers Life Education Program is a magnificent program run in all the Northern Rivers schools. I thank the Kyogle Quota Club for its continuing support of the community, particularly the Kyogle High School.
Recently some 750 people in Casino took part in the 24-hour Relay for Life and raised $50,000 for cancer research. I grew up in the community, and it gives me great pleasure to again see the community getting behind organisations such as the New South Wales Cancer Council, which was represented by its events manager, Trudi Mitchell. She was overwhelmed by the support she received. Casino had one of the largest number of teams entered in the whole of New South Wales. Cancer patient Shana Austen read the oath. I was very honoured to say a few words of welcome. Special guests, baby Olivia Transton and Kerry Saxby-Junna, cut the ribbon to declare the Relay for Life open. Cancer survivors wore a red ribbon and started the relay with a survivors' lap. Charlie Cox and his team in the community of Casino worked tirelessly for the event. Queen Elizabeth Park resembled a tent city.
The 24-hour walk was an example of community spirit at its best. At least 70 people were on the walking track at any one time. One participant, Kevin Butwell, walked for 23 of the 24 hours. The highlight of the relay was the Candlelight Ceremony of Hope held on Saturday night. Candles were placed all around the track to commemorate the people who had not survived cancer. It is ironic that today I bring this subject to the attention of the House because it was nine years ago today that my mother passed away as a result of cancer. It was an unbelievable experience to be in Casino for the 24-hour Relay for Life and to participate in the Candlelight Ceremony of Hope. I congratulate the community of Casino and the surrounding districts on supporting this very worthwhile cause and raising $50,000.