Page 3592 - Week 12 - Thursday, 20 September 1990
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code in the world, are playing in all three senior grand finals - the first grade, the reserve grade and the under 21s.
Mr Kaine: Are they going to win all three, Bill?
MR STEFANIAK: I would be picking them to win at least two out of three, Trevor. I certainly hope they win all three because they have had an exceptionally good season. It is remarkable because the club was established only in 1982. I went out to some of its early games at Seiffert Oval and it got beaten by quite significant scores. Yet in eight short years the club has managed to get all three teams into the grand finals, which is a huge feat. It is the third appearance of the first grade side in a grand final. Having lost to Manly in 1987 and won last year, it is going for back to back premierships this year. I am sure all members of the Assembly will join me in congratulating the Raiders, the administrators, the coaches and all the players, on that magnificent feat.
I think it is significant to note that, while in these days we hear of a number of sportspeople taking performance enhancing drugs and other drugs, the Raiders recently were declared to be drug free. This makes them very - - -
Mr Connolly: What about Raiders milk?
MR STEFANIAK: I do not know about that and what that has in it. I hope they convert you, Terry. At any rate, this is important because the young in our community look up to adults, and especially prominent sportspeople, as role models. It is important that they promote a healthy and clean image and I think this is something that our Canberra Raiders do, and do very well. They certainly are role models for thousands of children in Canberra and the surrounding regions.
The success of this club brings a lot of credit, not only on them but also on to Canberra as well. It helps put Canberra on the sporting map, which is terribly important in terms of our future development. It not only gives Canberra soul but also gives it economic development, because many people travel from the south coast and the Riverina to watch the Raiders' games. They did that when they were at Seiffert Oval; they are certainly doing that at the Bruce Stadium. It not only boosts Canberra, Canberra's sport and Canberra's image and Canberra economically; it well and truly puts us on the map.
Mr Jensen: When are we going to get our test, Bill?
MR STEFANIAK: Hopefully next year, Norm; I think the rugby league will get us one even though the rugby union will not. So, finally, congratulations again to the Raiders. I certainly hope they win all three grades and I am sure all members of the Assembly will wish them very well for Sunday.
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