Constituency Statement: Neil Barnett

Tuesday 11 August 2026

I rise to acknowledge the dedication and community spirit of Neil Barnett from Kembla Joggers, which is based in my electorate of Whitlam. Kembla Joggers is one of the largest and most respected community running clubs in Australia. Kembla Joggers attracts athletes of all ages and abilities and are well known for their friendly, non-elitist approach to the sport of running.

Neil Barnett embodies the spirit of Kembla Joggers. Neil has served on its committee for 35 years, with 32 years in either the president or secretary roles. Neil first served as president of Kembla Joggers in 1992 at the tender age of 23. Neil was recently awarded an Australian Athletics gold service pin by NSW Athletics for his more than three decades of service to the sport of athletics. Neil is also a life member of Kembla Joggers, given his role in helping to make Kembla Joggers the incredibly successful running club it is today. Unsurprisingly, Neil is also an outstanding runner, competing in half-marathons and at the state level. The Illawarra and wider New South Wales athletics community have benefited from Neil's decades of service. I acknowledge the enormous impact he has had in helping to foster the health and fitness of tens of thousands of people through his involvement with Kembla Joggers. Thank you, Neil.

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