MACCABI 2017 AUSTRALIAN TEAM FAREWELL AND 20TH YEAR MACCABIAH BRIDGE COMMEMORATION

Sunday 4th June, 2017

The Honourable Phillip Dalidakis MP, State Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, representing the Honourable John Eren MP, State Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Sport and Veterans,

The Honourable Josh Frydenberg MP, Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy and Member for Kooyong,

Mr Barry Smorgon OAM, President of Maccabi Australia,

Mr Brian Swersky, President of Maccabi Victoria,

Mr Tom York OAM, Head of the Maccabiah Australian Delegation,

Ms Rebecca Small, daughter of the late Mr Greg Small,

Mr Adam Kellerman, Paralympian,

Athletes,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are gathering and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, and to any elders who are with us this evening.

This evening is an occasion that highlights the bitter/sweetness of life.

What could be sadder than casting our minds back to that terrible tragedy in 1997 when, at a time of great excitement and expectation, the bridge into the Stadium collapsed, 4 Australian athletes were lost, and many other people were injured.

1 We remember today, with family and friends, Yetty Bennett, Warren Zines, Elizabeth Sawicki and Greg Small.

We remember lives cut cruelly short. We remember good people. With loving families who miss them dearly. We remember talented people. Officials or participants who were true community people.

Against that backdrop of sadness, this evening we have the joy of casting our minds forward to the Games soon to commence in the in , as our 570 team members – representing the largest Australian Team ever – take on the 59 other nations, and showcase the sporting prowess and sportsmanship of Australian Jewry.

I think the wisdom of age is to understand that we must neither forget the past nor fail to embrace the future.

As those gathered here know only too well, to overlook tragedies that have been endured, is not only to disrespect those who have suffered, but also to risk such tragedies or wrongs recurring. And so we must not forget.

But as we also know very well, it is imperative to embrace all that life has to offer, to care for and support one another and to continue to strive for personal and joint achievements: at nothing less than full throttle.

The Maccabi movement offers just that opportunity and encouragement, with a special focus on connecting the Jewish community through sport.

No doubt team members will experience that sense of connection with each other, with Jewish contemporaries from around the world, and with itself.

Although tempted in this role to be focused at all times on Victorians, on this occasion, I am prepared to open my heart a little wider to say that I wish each one of you well!

2 May your training be rewarded with your best possible individual performances. May you gel selflessly and well in your team endeavours.

May you form new friendships and cement old ones.

May you see and learn more about Israel, and enjoy safe and exciting travels.

And, finally, I wish every athlete and official of our Australian team, in accordance with the Victorian State motto, ‘Peace and Prosperity’ at the 20th .

3