Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown)— The Newcastle Northstars fought hard to the final moments of the match in the Goodall Cup play-offs in Melbourne, but the night ultimately belonged to the Canberra Brave. Both teams put on a fantastic showing, and have been neck and neck in the competition throughout the year.

Their 4-3 victory over the Sydney Bears wasn't quite enough to get them over the line, but their extraordinary season has been a joy to watch from the sidelines and in local media. I am always keen to cheer the Northstars on, and earlier this year was honoured to drop the starting puck on the ice for them.

Northstars goalkeeper Charlie Smart, who recently rejoined the squad from Perth, recorded 48 saves, and John Kennedy jnr was also strong a strong performer on the ice. Northstar Ethan Hawes received the AIHL Rookie of the Year award for 2022, while coach Kevin Noble was named AIHL Coach of the Year.

Congratulations to all the Northstars—you have done our region proud, and I look forward to an awesome 2023 season.

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!