Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby) [7.00 p.m.]: Over the past two weeks, Australians have had the pleasure of watching the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games in London. Not only were countless medals won, and many achievements attained by our wonderful and remarkable athletes, but records were broken and personal bests achieved. Just qualifying and competing in the Games is an amazing achievement in itself. The Games were of particular interest to me because a 20-year-old constituent of mine, Hannah Dodd of Arcadia, represented Australia in equestrian events at the Games. This was Hannah's first Games and she made her local community and country proud.
Together with her horse, Waikiwi, Hannah finished eleventh in the Mixed Individual Freestyle Test—Grade IV, twelfth in the Individual Championship Test—Grade IV, and eleventh in the Team Test—Grade IV. Hannah has sacral agenesis, which is a specific type of spina bifida, and is missing four vertebrae in her back. That makes her Paralympic Games achievement even more remarkable. But having a disability has done nothing to prevent Hannah from achieving personal goals. It has made her even more determined. Since Hannah was four months old, she has been around horses. In fact, she learnt to ride a horse before she learnt to walk. Horseriding not only has provided Hannah with enjoyment and challenge but also has allowed her to be independent.
Not surprisingly then, Hannah developed an interest in equestrian competition. She started competing in 2005 and first represented Australia in 2006, subsequently winning the 2008 and 2011 Australian National Championships, and finishing second in 2009. She also won the Oceania Championships in 2011. Despite facing challenges, including having to search for a new horse after hers suffered an injury, Hannah's determination and courage ensured her selection in the Australian Paralympic team. I am proud to represent a community that is committed to helping fellow residents, especially during times of hardship. The residents of Arcadia demonstrated this commitment when they hosted a fundraiser in July to help to fund the travel costs for Hannah's carer, dressage coach and horse groomer. Hannah's success in equestrian competitions is testament to her fortitude and motivation. Her years of training and hard work have paid off and reflect positively on her strong character and values.
In addition to her sporting feats, Hannah studies sports and exercise science at the University of Western Sydney, and coaches young riders to ensure that they will be able to achieve and fulfil their potential also. Future riders will benefit from Hanna's mentorship, sense of belief and optimism. Hannah is a role model to all Australians. Her energy and desire to achieve personal goals provides hope to others who have high aspirations. Her success is evidence that having a disability does not preclude anyone from achieving greatness. Hannah's story is an inspiration to my local community, to communities right across the State and indeed to communities throughout this country. I acknowledge the support Hannah has received from her family, her parents and her local community. This was Hannah's achievement, but it would not have been possible without the support of so many. To Hannah, we are so proud of what you have achieved. We congratulate you on this remarkable feat. We wish you every success for the future.
Read the full Hansard transcript here.
