The inaugural Swimming Patron’s Gala was held in Brisbane on November 19th to celebrate the amazing year for Australia’s swimmers, and for their coaches, friends and families of swimmers to come together and recognise all that our champion swimmers do.
The year has seen many outstanding performances, including at the 2022 World Para Swimming Championships, 2022 FINA World Swimming Championships and 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the Gala celebrated all of these achievements, as well as long awaited celebrations for Australia’s best every Olympic performance at Tokyo.
The evening was a huge success, with international group the London Essentials performing music so guests could dance the night away.
The 2022 Patron’s Olympic Program Swimmer Award went to the greatest Australian Commonwealth Games athlete of all time, Emma McKeon.
The Patron’s Paralympic Program Swimmer Award was awarded to swimming superstar Katja Dedekind, and the Swimmer’s Swimmer Award went to Zac Stubbley-Cook.
Patron Mrs. Gina Rinehart and on behalf of all of the Hancock Group wish all of our swimmers the very best for the upcoming short-course championships and for every continued success, in and out of the pool.
Speech on behalf of Mrs. Gina Rinehart Executive Chairman of the Hancock Prospecting Group 2022 Patron’s Gala Saturday 19th November, Brisbane
Thank you, Scott.
Good evening our dazzling swimmers and your families, warm welcome to our distinguished guests, coaches, volunteers and the wider swimming family.
I am very disappointed that I cannot be in two places at once, to celebrate our outstanding Aussie swimmers. Especially so after the Olympics and with such fantastic efforts at the Commonwealth Games.
Please join me in a Brisbane rousing round of applause for all our swimmers.
With 25 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze, our team showed that saying is true: “All that glitters is gold, silver and bronze”!
And Emma, such incredible performances in Birmingham.
You’ve made people all over Australia proud. Swimmers, I hope you all know that for many years now, outside of your families, I’ve been one of your most loyal supporters.
I admire your desire to do well, to work hard to represent our country to the best of your ability, your perseverance, as I’ve said before, these are all characteristics that will serve you well for your lives after swimming.
When then Prince Charles, now King Charles III, was delivering Queen Elizabeth’s opening message at the Birmingham Games, there was a comment I especially enjoyed.
He said to our Aussie team: “You’re the team that the others are terrified of.”
The Olympics and the Birmingham Games were exciting times for the many Aussies glued to TVs and cheering you on from across Australia, lifting our Covid-affected spirits.
You are such terrific role models and not only to young Australians, with your dedication, self-discipline, your team ship, your world class efforts and the patriotism you display when you proudly represent our country.
Like each of you, it touches me deep down when you achieve the podium after so much work, and there is our anthem and flag to celebrate your achievement as outstanding Australians.
We have sponsored swimming since 1992, I’m asked at times, why do we? When I think of our swimmers, thinking of all I’ve just said, the answer is easy, why wouldn’t I.
Congratulations to each of you on your outstanding efforts and achievements, and very best wishes for
the upcoming FINA World Championships.
Please join me in a Queensland rousing round of applause for our entire team, and their dedicated
coaches.
Now, I’m delighted to announce this year’s award winners.
For the best ever Olympic Games for our swimmers, the Toyko Leadership Team: Bronte Campbell, Cate
Campbell, Alex Graham, Jess Hanson, and Mitchell Larkin. Please could you all come to the stage.
And now for the Patron’s Award, for the greatest Australian Commonwealth Games athlete of all time:
Emma McKeon.
Please join us on the stage.
It is my great honour to now invite to the stage Australia’s loved and respected swimmer, Dawn Fraser.
Please join me in an Australia -rousing round of applause for Dawn.
Dawn will kindly present both the Paralympian Patron Award, and the Swimmers’ Swimmer award.
Thank you Dawn, and thank you all.
Paralympian Patron Award: Katja Dedekind.
Swimmer’s Swimmer: Zac Stubblety-Cook.
