Northern Suburbs Football Association
Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (18:40): One of the biggest global sporting events of 2023 arrived on our shores: the FIFA Women's World Cup. I am pleased that local football clubs in the Wahroonga electorate played their part in this great event. The clubs involved in the Northern Suburbs Football Association were involved in promoting the event, with a number of young aspiring footballers from teams including Kissing Point FC, Prouille FC, Hornsby RSL and more involved in a number of the fixtures as flag-bearers for the nations. The Northern Suburbs Football Association also organised three official watch party locations, in conjunction with various local councils across the North Shore. Leading into the opening fixture, Kissing Point FC was instrumental in hosting a refereeing course, which involved 18 new female referees looking to obtain their level 4 course credentials. The women's game on all levels has continued to grow in Australia over recent years, with Football Australia stating that women now make up 22 per cent of the participation pool. I thank Northern Suburbs Football Association and all the local clubs for playing a vital role in organising and promoting the event.