Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)— Two young hockey players from the Newcastle area were recently in Malaysia competing for Australia in a tournament known as the Mirnawan Cup. The Australia AllStars U17 teams included Ashley Dimmock and Matilda Woolnough.

These two young players, who are students at Whitebridge High School, have previously played on state teams and competed at the nationals level. At the local level, Ashley, who goes by AJ, plays locally for Norths Mens Hockey Club, while Matilda plays for the Regals Hockey Club.

AJ played as the goalkeeper for the U17 boys team. Running from 18 November to 26 November, the tournament was invitation-only. Two Malaysian teams in each of the boys' and girls' categories faced off against teams from South Africa, India and Japan as well as Australia. It is fabulous to see these young local sports stars are competing on the international stage.

What could be more inspiring than seeing young people from across the Asia Pacific come together to test their skills and push each other to achieve on the sporting field? Congratulations to AJ and Matilda, their teammates and all the young players.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!