I know many members love to share and hear about the fantastic achievements of our local sporting clubs, and with good reason. Those clubs are the heartbeat of our communities. They bring people together, foster young talent and inspire pride well beyond the playing field. In Liverpool I often talk about how sport acts as a bridge between different groups of people, facilitating social cohesion and inclusion in our beautifully diverse community. From weekend matches at local ovals to community barbeques and presentation nights, our sporting clubs are where friendships are made, skills are developed, and futures are shaped. I have seen firsthand just how much those clubs mean to the people they serve. They thrive thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the passion of parents and the determination of young athletes who give it their all, weekend after weekend.

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the Hoxton Park Tigers Cricket Club end-of-season presentation night, a fantastic celebration of sporting spirit, teamwork and achievement. It was a reminder of how sport can empower young people, build their confidence and open doors to new opportunities. I particularly highlight the outstanding accomplishments of five young girls who have gone above and beyond this season. Chantelle Ranjan, Akshadha Uppili, Kyra Prajapati, Japleen Kaur and Ameera Sodhi have all been selected to join the Cricket New South Wales squad. Their success is a win not only for themselves and their families but also for the broader Hoxton Park Tigers Cricket Club community, which has supported and nurtured them along the way. I know I speak for many in my community when I say how proud we are of them and how excited we are to see what they will achieve next.

What makes their story more extraordinary is what they have overcome. Last season the under-13s MYC team, which also includes Pia Shivalkar, Aleena Sayed, Piya Sharma, Sulabha Tripathi, Yashika Ramprasad, Prabhkirat Kaur, Nuhaar Kaur and Zahra Dhillon, was bowled out for 54 against Auburn. Being the only all-girls team in the competition, the MYCs were ridiculed by Auburn's coaches, parents and players who, in a disgusting display of poor sportsmanship, refused to shake hands with the girls. Cut to the first game of this season when the girls faced off against the same Auburn team. This time they made 6/204 in 30 overs and bowled their opponents out for 99. They beat Auburn by 105 runs, a testament to their talent, hard work and commitment.

Watching those girls prove their mettle reinforces my passion for ensuring Liverpool gets the quality local green space its young sporting talent deserves. The House may be aware of my petition to upgrade Schell Park. Schell Park is a symbol of the talent and potential that exists in south-western Sydney. It is where a young Michael Clarke started his cricketing journey. We are rightly proud to be the home of Michael Clarke. Liverpool City Council cut the ribbon on a leisure centre bearing his name back in 2016, so why is it not investing in the ground that first saw his talent? Over the past few months many residents have told me that while Schell Park remains a much-loved local park, it simply is not living up to its potential. Families and residents have shared stories of worn-out facilities, limited play equipment and a lack of amenities that make it difficult to truly enjoy the park as a community space. That park should be a place where families gather, kids play safely, and neighbours connect. I reiterate my call for Liverpool City Council to begin the long-needed work to upgrade Schell Park.

The Minns Labor Government recognises the immense talent within south-west Sydney. That is why it is committed to providing local opportunities that nurture and develop that talent. Eagle Vale High School, which my colleague the member for Leppington has been a champion for, is an example of that commitment. In 2025 Eagle Vale High School launched its Talented Sports Program, focusing on basketball, cricket and rugby league. That program is designed to ensure students can pursue their sporting dreams without compromising their academic education. To truly set up the future sports stars of Liverpool for success, all levels of government, local, State and Federal, need to work together. It is not enough to recognise the talent in our community; we need to back it up with real investment in the spaces where that talent is nurtured. That is why I am again calling for Liverpool City Council to bring forward detailed, fundable plans for upgrades to parks like Schell Park. I am more than ready to advocate for State funding to support those upgrades, but council must come to the table with a clear vision. Schell Park has the potential to be a vibrant, family-friendly hub for sport and community activity. Let us make sure it gets the attention and investment it deserves.