Lisa Greissl

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—I want to acknowledge the super-human efforts of a true Lake Macquarie hero, Lisa Greissl of Macquarie Hills. In June this year Lisa represented Australia at the 17th International Para Rowing Regatta on Lake Varese in Gavirate, Italy, bringing home two gold medals in the PR3 mixed-coxed four boat class. Lisa has shown dogged determination, training alongside members from the Lake Macquarie Rowing Club for the past two years, in an effort to secure a spot on the Australian Rowing Team. Seven years ago Lisa was diagnosed with a rare cancer and while her treatment was successful, it also caused a spinal cord injury. As a result of her injury, Lisa was forced to give up her love of running but she picked the oars to stay fit and to aid both her physical and mental recovery. Lisa is also the founder of national charity The Big Hug Box. The Big Hug Box provides people diagnosed with cancer specially selected products to help them through their treatments. Lisa is now focusing on securing a spot on the Australian Paralympic Rowing Team in 2024. I wish her all the best with this endeavour.