Mr BILLSON —I had the very good fortune yesterday to accept the invitation of the Mornington Peninsula Triathlon Club to get up very early on Sunday morning and start the 15th Frankston Half Ironman Triathlon event in Frankston.

Mr Melham interjecting—

Mr BILLSON —My thanks to the member for Banks. It was only my attire that distinguished me from the athletes that were there. That is not entirely accurate because that would be disrespectful of the dedication, commitment and overall good health of the people that got up that early in the morning and not only had to start the event but finish it. There was a 1.9-kilometre swim, a 90-kilometre cycle and a 21-kilometre run around the best part of Australia; that is, the Mornington Peninsular.

The really terrific thing about this event is that it has been run for 15 years by a volunteer group who put all of the sponsorship money, all of the entry fees and all of the support of the local community into a fantastic event. There were 500 competitors ranging from representatives from the United States to Japan, New Zealand and those from all around Australia. It was a terrific occasion. The Mornington Peninsula Triathlon Club deserves our support. Hans, Brian and Raeleigh do a fantastic job. The whole team is a great credit to the peninsula. But it is probably not the way I would like the competitors to look at the wonderful tourist destination in our region. Perhaps they can come back another time.

Mr SPEAKER —Order! It being 2.00 p.m., in accordance with standing order 106A, the time for members' statements has concluded.